One-Pan Chicken Pasta with Garlic-Lemon Cream Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A family-friendly meal combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy lemon-infused sauce in one skillet. This italian-american-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes blends chicken breast, pasta, garlic 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 450 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.

★ 3.8 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian-American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Push garlic to sides of pan.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 oz chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz pasta and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente. Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan and 1/2 lemon (juiced). Cook until sauce thickens and coats pasta.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Chicken Pasta with Garlic-Lemon Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Chicken Pasta with Garlic-Lemon Cream 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 One-Pan Chicken Pasta with Garlic-Lemon Cream 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 One-Pan Chicken Pasta with Garlic-Lemon Cream 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 One-Pan Chicken Pasta with Garlic-Lemon Cream Sauce?

Italian-American salads 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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