If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours of cooking, One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta is the answer. This creamy and zesty dish combines tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and the perfect touch of lemon, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or any day you want a quick, comforting meal, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients for this delicious dish. With just a few staples like chicken, pasta, butter, garlic, and lemon, you can create a flavorful meal.
Minimal Cleanup: The best part about this recipe is that it’s all made in one pot. No need for multiple pans, and cleanup is a breeze.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Flavorful: The tangy lemon combined with rich butter creates a sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, while the chicken adds a satisfying protein.

One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta: A Quick and Delicious Dinner Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish, combining tender chicken pieces, al dente pasta, and a creamy lemon garlic sauce. With the zing of lemon and a rich buttery sauce, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family and friends.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

To make this dish, you will need:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
8 oz of pasta penne, spaghetti, or your favorite variety
3 tablespoons of butter unsalted
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese grated, for garnish
Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Add the Pasta and Chicken Broth

Now, add the pasta to the pot along with the chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it is cooked al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Lemon

Once the pasta is cooked, add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy lemon sauce. The cream will help thicken the sauce and make it smooth and luxurious. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Back to the Pot

Now, return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Allow the chicken to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. The flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve your One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta in bowls or plates, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The Parmesan adds a nice salty depth of flavor, while the parsley gives the dish a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

Tips for the Best One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta

Pasta Choice: While penne is a classic choice for this dish, you can use any pasta you prefer. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or farfalle also work well with this recipe.

Adjust the Lemon: The amount of lemon juice and zest can be adjusted based on your personal taste. If you love a more tangy flavor, add a bit more lemon juice, or for a milder lemon flavor, cut back on the zest.

Add Vegetables: For a more well-rounded meal, consider adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. Simply stir them in when you add the cream.

Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.

Keyword Lemon Garlic Chicken, Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Quick Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta has a universal appeal, making it perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or even casual gatherings. The creamy texture of the sauce, combined with the bright, fresh taste of lemon, offers a balance of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it to kids or adults, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

The one-pot cooking method ensures that all the flavors are infused into the pasta, making each bite delicious and satisfying. Plus, with minimal prep and cleanup time, it’s a win-win for anyone looking for an easy, no-fuss meal.

Final Thoughts

When you need a meal that’s both quick and comforting, One-Pot Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of lemon, this dish brings big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a small gathering, this recipe is sure to become a go-to dinner in your meal rotation.

Try it tonight and enjoy the flavors of a restaurant-quality dish that’s made right in your own kitchen. Bon appétit!