If you’re craving a dish that feels like comfort food and elegance wrapped into one, this Easy One Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s wonderfully creamy with a zing of fresh lemon, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one lovely pot—making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
One pot convenience: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your meal without the hassle.
Bright, fresh flavors: Lemon zest and juice add a refreshing twist that makes the creamy sauce truly sing.
Comforting yet light: Creamy sauce meets tender chicken and herbs for a satisfying but not overly heavy dinner.
Customizable and kid-friendly: Perfect for tweaking spice levels or swapping herbs based on what you love.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Easy One Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that balance taste, texture, and color beautifully. Each component plays an important role—from the juicy chicken thighs giving richness, to the bright lemon adding zest, finishing with fresh herbs for that garden-fresh touch.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender better than breasts when cooked this way.
- Lemon juice and zest: Adds brightness and cuts through the creaminess for a fresh tang.
- Single cream: Creates a luscious sauce without being too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth and subtle nuttiness.
- Fresh herbs (parsley and basil): Bring vibrant color and aromatic freshness to finish the dish.
- Optional chili flakes: Perfect for a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—firm with just a little bite. Don’t forget to reserve about 250 ml of that starchy pasta water before draining, as it will come in handy to loosen the sauce later on, making everything wonderfully silky.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a heavy pan until shimmering, then season your chicken thighs generously with sea salt. Place them in the pan and let them sear undisturbed for about 6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Using a thermometer is a great tip here—aim for 75°C internally—ensuring juicy, tender chicken every time.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat and gently cook minced garlic until fragrant and soft—around 5 minutes. Add chicken stock (or water) and scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan, which pack so much flavor. Simmer gently, then stir in fresh lemon juice and zest. Slowly pour in single cream while whisking to build a velvety sauce. Toss in Parmesan and let the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes. Don’t forget to add chopped parsley, basil, and chili flakes if you’re using them—it’s the finishing touch that brings everything together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Give the sauce a quick taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then toss your cooked pasta in, adding reserved pasta water bit by bit to get the perfect creamy consistency. Slice up the chicken and nestle it right on top of the pasta, drizzling any juices back over the dish to maximize that rich flavor.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your creamy plate with a handful of freshly chopped parsley and basil—they add a burst of color and herby freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts and can give a lovely salty contrast. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle a few extra chili flakes for that final pop.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads like arugula tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance its richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is another fantastic match to soak up any leftover creamy sauce—because there always is some!
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party vibe, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and scatter some edible flowers or microgreens atop for an elegant pop. You can also prepare individual portions in small cast iron skillets, keeping the sauce warm and presentation rustic-chic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover creamy lemon chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly and prevent drying out.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the cream sauce might separate upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store the chicken, pasta, and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers and combine them fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or pasta water as needed to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be mindful they cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. It’s best to sear them just until cooked through and consider marinating beforehand to keep them moist.
-
Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil, use coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce as a substitute for the single cream, and nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
-
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more crushed chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Alternatively, toss some finely chopped fresh chili when cooking the garlic for an extra burst of heat.
-
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance but add the pasta just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce while sitting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly delightful about this Easy One Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe—it’s quick, comforting, and bursting with flavors that brighten your day and satisfy your soul. Give it a try tonight and get ready to fall in love with a new favorite you’ll reach for again and again!
Print
Easy One Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Easy One Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta combines tender seared chicken thighs with a luscious, tangy lemon cream sauce and freshly cooked pasta. Infused with garlic, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a hint of chilli flakes, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels gourmet yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
For Searing the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
For the Creamy Lemon Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 50 ml chicken stock, made with a chicken stock cube or water
- 400 ml single cream
- 25 g grated Parmesan
- ¼ teaspoon crushed chilli flakes, optional
For the Pasta and Garnish:
- 500 g dried pasta, cooked according to package directions
- ½ bunch parsley, chopped
- ½ bunch basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve about 250 ml of the pasta water. Set aside for later use in the sauce to adjust consistency.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a cast iron or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken thighs generously with sea salt. When the oil is hot and shimmering, place the chicken in the pan and sear for approximately 6 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Melt it, then add the minced garlic. Cook for around 5 minutes until the garlic is softened and aromatic. Pour in the chicken stock or water and scrape up any browned bits from the pan to add flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Lemon and Cream: Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Gradually whisk in the single cream, ensuring the sauce is well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if necessary by tasting.
- Combine Herbs and Pasta: Stir in the chopped parsley and basil along with the optional crushed chilli flakes for a mild heat. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well, adding reserved pasta water little by little as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
- Assemble the Dish: Slice the seared chicken thighs and place them atop the creamy pasta. Pour any juices collected from the chicken back into the pan to enhance the sauce. Serve immediately for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked through to 75°C.
- Adjust the amount of reserved pasta water added to sauce depending on your desired sauce thickness.
- For a lighter version, substitute single cream with half-and-half or reduced-fat cream.
- If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chilli flakes or add freshly cracked pepper.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add brightness; feel free to substitute with thyme or oregano if preferred.
Logging into 78zinwin now. Looks promising, hoping for a big win! You can use the login link for yourself right here at 78zinwin and let’s get lucky together!
Giving Mybet777 a try. Odds seem decent, hoping for a good payout. My next bet is placed through mybet777.
Yo, just signed up at my777login and the login process was smooth. No glitches, no hassles. Hope the games are as good as the signup! Check it out if you’re looking for a new spot my777login.