Creamy Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken breast bathed in a bright lemon-herb cream sauce over al dente spaghetti, finished with fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality dinner in under 30 minutes. This italian-american-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, boneless chicken breasts, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, season 1 lb boneless chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; remove and rest, then slice thinly.
- Step 3: To the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried oregano, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and the zest of 1 large lemon, simmering gently for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and the sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Creamy Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta?
Italian-American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
