Irresistibly Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta That’s Ready in Minutes!

Creamy lemon garlic pasta is a dish that brings rich and tangy flavors to your plate.

People who love making meals at home enjoy its comforting taste and simple preparation.

The zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and smooth cream come together in a way that many find satisfying.

It’s perfect for pasta fans who want a quick meal with few ingredients.

Using fresh herbs and quality items can make this dish really stand out.

Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe to fit your own taste or dietary needs.

Why Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Is So Yummy

• Quickest Comfort Meal: Whip up a restaurant-quality dinner in just 30 minutes with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Flavor-Packed Crowd-Pleaser: Combines zesty lemon, creamy sauce, and crispy chicken that appeals to both adults and kids with its harmonious taste profile.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families wanting a satisfying meal that can be easily adapted for different dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions.
• One-Skillet Convenience: Minimizes cleanup by preparing everything in a single pan, making this recipe ideal for weeknight cooking and reducing post-dinner dish washing.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Full Ingredient List

• Chicken Breast: Tender protein base that brings richness and substance to the pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory coating and extra flavor during chicken preparation.

• Egg: Helps bread crumbs stick perfectly to chicken surface.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Provides crispy golden exterior for chicken.

• Fettuccine, Heavy Cream, White Wine, Butter, Lemon Juice: Creates silky, tangy sauce that coats pasta with creamy texture.
• Garlic: Adds deep aromatic flavor to sauce base.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Enhances overall dish flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb note to finished dish.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Coat Chicken in Crispy Armor

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Whisked egg
• Panko bread crumbs

Dredge each chicken breast first through Parmesan, then egg, and finally bread crumbs, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Place breaded chicken into the pan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a cutting board and slice into strips or keep whole.

Step 3: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook fettuccine in salted water according to package directions.

Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking water.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic.

• Fresh lemon juice
• White wine
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Chicken

Toss cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

Gently fold to coat every strand.

Return sliced chicken to the skillet and warm through.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Add extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Serve immediately while hot and steamy.

Helpful Hints For Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Breading Technique: Dip chicken in Parmesan first to create an extra crispy, flavorful coating that helps bread crumbs stick perfectly.
• Perfect Chicken Cooking: Use medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, ensuring juicy and evenly cooked chicken every time.
• Sauce Consistency Magic: Stir sauce ingredients continuously to prevent separation and create a smooth, silky texture that clings beautifully to pasta.
• Wine Swap Option: If avoiding alcohol, replace white wine with chicken broth or extra lemon juice for similar depth of flavor without compromising taste.
• Storage Smart Tip: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency.

How To Store Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Method: Warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream or water, stirring gently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Avoid Freezing: Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen, so it's best to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated.

Tasty Combos With Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy lemon garlic sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Hearty Side Companion: Serve roasted asparagus or a light Mediterranean salad with mixed greens, creating a balanced plate that enhances the pasta's zesty flavors.
• Bread Brilliance: Match with warm, crusty garlic bread or herbed focaccia to soak up the delectable sauce and add a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Refreshing Finish: Pour chilled sparkling water with a lemon wedge or a light citrus-infused mocktail to refresh the palate between bites of the rich, creamy dish.

Switch-Ups For Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace panko bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free pasta to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with crispy pan-fried tofu or roasted cauliflower florets. Maintain the creamy lemon garlic sauce for a protein-packed plant-based meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute fettuccine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Keep the sauce and cooking method identical for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced version.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Choose nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan as cheese alternatives. Select olive oil-based butter substitutes to maintain sauce consistency.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Questions Answered

• What makes the breading process unique for this chicken recipe?

The three-step breading process with Parmesan, egg, and panko creates a crispy, flavorful coating that adds texture and rich flavor to the chicken, ensuring a golden and crunchy exterior.

• Can I substitute the white wine in the sauce?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with chicken broth or additional lemon juice to maintain the sauce’s depth and acidity while keeping the overall flavor profile intact.

• How can I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), which guarantees it’s safely cooked through while remaining juicy and tender.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the creamy lemon garlic pasta can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, with the sauce and chicken maintaining their flavor and texture when gently reheated.

Irresistibly Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luscious Lemon Garlic Pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table with zesty citrus and rich, silky sauce. Comforting noodles twirled with garlic, parmesan, and herbs create an effortless meal that will delight your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts (4–5 thin cutlets)
• 1 egg

Coating and Seasoning:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or more, to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283 g) fettuccine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup white wine
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Juice from 1 lemon (adjust to taste)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Create a breading station by arranging three shallow dishes: first with grated Parmesan, second with beaten egg, and third with panko bread crumbs.
2. Carefully dredge each chicken breast through the Parmesan, ensuring complete coverage, then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll in panko crumbs to create a crisp exterior coating.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, allowing the surface to evenly heat.
4. Gently place breaded chicken into the skillet, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until the exterior turns a rich golden brown and the internal temperature reaches safe consumption level.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest momentarily, then slice into attractive bite-sized pieces or keep whole depending on serving preference.
6. Simultaneously, prepare fettuccine in a separate pot of salted boiling water, following package timing guidelines for perfect al dente texture.
7. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and melt butter, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
8. Introduce minced garlic to the butter, sautéing briefly until its aromatic qualities permeate the pan.
9. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in fresh lemon juice, crisp white wine, and luxurious heavy cream, whisking to create a harmonious sauce.
10. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian herb blend to enhance flavor complexity.
11. Add drained pasta directly into the sauce, tossing meticulously to ensure each strand is lavishly coated.
12. Return sliced chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm through and meld with the creamy sauce.
13. Plate the pasta, arranging chicken strategically, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for a final elegant touch.

Notes

• Customize coating by using gluten-free panko or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Control chicken’s golden crust by maintaining medium heat and avoiding overcrowding the skillet for even browning.
• Select high-quality dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance sauce’s depth and brightness.
• Allow sauce to simmer gently without boiling to prevent cream from separating and maintain

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg