Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting dinner that feels elegant but is easy to prepare, this creamy lemon chicken pasta delivers. Oven-baked chicken breast meets lemon-infused rotelle pasta in a velvety sauce that combines heavy cream and fresh zest. It’s the perfect balance of bright and rich flavors—ideal for both weeknights and special occasions.
Inspiration
Looking for more delicious dinner inspiration?
Browse our Easy Chicken Recipes 🐔 — perfect for busy nights and family favorites! Or pick one to try next:
General Tips
Use fresh lemons for juicing and zesting to maximize brightness. Season the chicken generously before baking to lock in flavor. Rotelle pasta’s spirals help catch the creamy sauce, but penne or rigatoni would work too. For a more indulgent dish, finish with grated Parmesan before serving. Always zest the lemon before juicing—it’s easier that way!
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Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 60 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
Juicy baked chicken meets lemony rotelle pasta in this creamy, flavorful dinner that comes together in just under an hour.
Ingredients
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 (8 ounce) package rotelle pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Place chicken in the dish. Squeeze lemon over both sides and season with 1½ teaspoons garlic powder and ¾ teaspoon pepper.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, season chicken broth with remaining garlic powder and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add lemon juice and pasta. Cook over medium heat until liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
- Cut baked chicken into pieces and stir into pasta with heavy cream and lemon zest. Simmer for 5 more minutes and serve warm.
Notes
For extra richness, stir in grated Parmesan just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: Comfort
Nutrition
- Calories: 520kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 22g
- Protein: 38g
Keywords: Chicken Pasta
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a one-pan bake with a stovetop pasta that creates layers of flavor. The baked chicken is juicy, seasoned with garlic and pepper, and pairs beautifully with the citrus cream sauce. The garlic, lemon, and cream blend gives this pasta a restaurant-worthy finish. Bonus: you only need a handful of pantry staples to make it happen. It’s budget-friendly, adaptable, and guaranteed to be devoured.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs will stay juicy and can add deeper flavor—just adjust the bake time accordingly.
Can I make this ahead?
You can bake the chicken and cook the pasta in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore the texture.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream?
Use coconut cream or an unsweetened cashew cream alternative.
What vegetables can I add?
Peas, spinach, or steamed broccoli would work well folded in during the final simmer.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Definitely. Just skip the baking step and add it when combining everything on the stove.
Conclusion
This chicken pasta recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, citrusy, hearty, and comforting. It’s a dish that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort, making it ideal for both casual and formal dinners. With its bright lemon flavor and luscious texture, it’ll quickly become part of your weekly meal rotation.
Need a similar one-pan dinner idea? Try this Cafe Delites’s recipe for a Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken