Lemon-Dill Chicken & Herb Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts and al dente pasta coated in a vibrant lemon-dill cream sauce, finished with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes blends spaghetti, boneless skinless chicken breasts, extra virgin olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 685 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 685 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Step 3: Return skillet to medium heat and add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add drained spaghetti and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
  6. Step 6: Slice rested chicken and fold into pasta. Garnish with extra dill and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken & Herb Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Chicken & Herb Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Chicken & Herb Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce?

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 Lemon-Dill Chicken & Herb Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken & Herb Pasta with Creamy Lemon Sauce?

Italian 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.

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