Zesty Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This creamy parmesan chicken lemon pasta recipe delivers an explosion of zesty flavors in under 30 minutes.

Fresh ingredients mingle effortlessly, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and rich notes.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among perfectly cooked pasta strands, each bite promising a burst of lemony goodness.

parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that transforms this simple dish into something extraordinary.

Herbs sprinkled on top provide a vibrant finish that elevates the entire meal.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this comforting and elegant pasta.

Why Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta Is So Popular

• Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in minimal steps with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
• Delivers classic flavors everyone loves, combining crispy chicken with creamy lemon sauce that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Perfectly balances crunchy chicken coating with silky pasta sauce, creating a delightful contrast in every single bite.
• Easily customizable for different preferences by adjusting seasoning or swapping protein, making it a versatile weeknight dinner option.

Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Breast: A tender and juicy protein that serves as the star of this delicious dish.

• Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Flour: A crispy and flavorful mixture that creates a golden-brown exterior for the chicken.

• Pasta: The perfect vehicle for the creamy and tangy sauce in this recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Juice: A rich and zesty combination that creates a smooth and flavorful sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a golden crust on the chicken.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and subtle flavor to the finished dish.

Tools and Gear for Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and making sauce, with wide surface for even cooking.
• Shallow Dishes (2): Perfect for butter melting and bread crumb mixture for coating chicken.
• Pasta Pot: Needed to boil and drain pasta with ease.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure precise amounts of spices and ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and tossing pasta.
• Cutting Board: Use for chopping parsley garnish.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.

How to Prepare Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Grab a large skillet and melt butter over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor Layers

• Melted butter in one dish
• Bread crumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• All-purpose flour

Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to create a crispy coating.

Step 3: Transform Chicken

Dunk each chicken piece into melted butter, then generously roll in the seasoned bread crumb mixture, ensuring every inch is covered with flavor.

Step 4: Sizzle and Cook Chicken

Place coated chicken into the heated skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy while ensuring the inside is fully cooked.

Step 5: Boil Pasta Perfection

Cook pasta in boiling water following package instructions, then drain completely, reserving a bit of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Lemon Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer and stir until the sauce thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.

Step 7: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently toss cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is beautifully coated with the tangy, rich mixture.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Arrange pasta on serving plates, top with crispy chicken, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Helpful Tips for Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta

• Use unsalted butter for better control of the dish's saltiness and more precise flavor balancing.
• Press bread crumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a crispier, more even golden crust that adheres perfectly.
• Add fresh lemon zest to the sauce for an extra bright, citrusy punch that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version.
• Reserve a little pasta water before draining to help sauce cling better and create a smoother, silkier texture when combining.

Creative Ways to Change Up Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour and bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs. Use gluten-free pasta for a complete celiac-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. Select coconut cream or almond milk as cream substitute.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. Keep pasta sauce and coating method identical for plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Maintain original sauce and chicken preparation for reduced carbohydrate intake.

Serving Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta for Dinner

• Fresh Garden Salad Companion: Crisp mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette perfectly balance the rich, creamy pasta and complement the lemony chicken.
• Zesty Wine Pairing: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the dish's richness and enhances the bright lemon notes, creating a delightful dining experience.
• Crusty Bread Side: Warm, toasted artisan bread helps soak up the delicious sauce, adding texture and allowing guests to enjoy every last drop of the creamy parmesan sauce.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Quick-roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli provide a healthy, colorful accompaniment that adds nutrition and visual appeal to the meal.

Keeping Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, separating chicken from pasta to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap chicken and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Pasta might lose texture, so consider freezing chicken only.
• Place chicken and pasta on microwave-safe plate. Add splash of milk or water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring pasta between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm chicken in skillet with small amount of butter over medium-low heat. Simultaneously, reheat pasta in separate pan with extra cream or butter, stirring gently to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the coating crispy?

The bread crumbs and parmesan cheese create a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken, adding texture and rich flavor to the dish.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with any short or long pasta like penne, linguine, or fettuccine that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a golden brown, crispy exterior.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it convenient for busy weeknights or preparing lunch in advance.

Parmesan Chicken Lemon Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan chicken lemon pasta brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to classic comfort food. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright herbs combine for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced in half

Starches and Dry Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) thin spaghetti
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) Italian bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet to medium heat and melt butter, creating a smooth cooking surface.
2. Prepare two separate dishes: one with melted butter and another with a mixture of bread crumbs, parmesan, and flour for coating.
3. Dredge each chicken piece first in melted butter, then thoroughly coat with the bread crumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Transfer coated chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown crispy exterior and ensuring chicken is fully cooked through.
5. While chicken is cooking, boil pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions, then drain completely.
6. In the same skillet used for chicken, create a creamy sauce by combining cream, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
7. Add drained pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure each pasta strand is evenly coated with the rich, tangy sauce.
8. Plate the pasta and top with the crispy parmesan-crusted chicken pieces, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure butter is fully melted before adding ingredients to prevent burning and achieve even coating.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and better texture on chicken surface.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Grate parmesan cheese fresh for richer, more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Adjust lemon juice quantity based on personal taste preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading adhere more effectively and create crunchier exterior.
• Allow sauce to simmer gently, stirring constantly to prevent separation and achieve smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg