Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 350 g pasta of choice; 1 tsp sea salt flakes; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp water; 40 g unsalted butter; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tbsp flour; 1 cup chicken stock (240 ml); 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml); 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan (about 100 g); Lemon wedges; Fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredients

350 g pasta of choice

1 tsp sea salt flakes

¼ tsp black pepper

1 tsp sweet paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp water

40 g unsalted butter

1 tbsp minced garlic

2 tbsp flour

1 cup chicken stock

2 cups heavy cream

4 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 cup freshly grated parmesan

Lemon wedges, to serve

Fresh parsley, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it is 1–2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together sea salt flakes, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this mixture.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan to deglaze it, then melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Step 5: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring as the sauce simmers and thickens.

Step 6: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips.

Step 7: Remove the pan from heat. Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and grated parmesan until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

Step 8: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly.

Step 9: Serve the pasta topped with the sliced chicken, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.

Try adding steamed broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for added color and nutrition.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less thick.

Freshly grind the black pepper for a more vibrant taste.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Choose your favorite to suit your preference.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative, but note this will slightly change the flavor profile. Also, omit or replace parmesan with a dairy-free cheese.