One-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken and al dente pasta simmer in a rich lemon-garlic sauce with fresh herbs, ready in under 30 minutes for a restaurant-quality weeknight dinner. This italian-american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian-American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 3 tbsp olive oil. Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes) and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. Step 2: To the same pot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz spaghetti to the pot, then pour in 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti is al dente and broth has reduced slightly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then return the chicken to the pot. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Cook for 2 more minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens to coat the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with extra Parmesan for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 One-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken?

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 One-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken?

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-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken 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-Pot Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Chicken?

Italian-American one pot 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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