Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant weeknight meal featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxurious lemon-garlic sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, spaghetti, large lemon 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 650 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature), then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Step 3: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 2 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup heavy cream to the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken to skillet and stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped basil, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. If too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Toss drained spaghetti into the skillet, stirring until well coated. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and herbs.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta with Creamy Garlic 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-Herb Chicken Pasta with Creamy Garlic 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-Herb Chicken Pasta with Creamy Garlic 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-Herb Chicken Pasta with Creamy Garlic 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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