This easy creamy lemon chicken pasta has so much flavor, rich, and creamy. Fresh alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccini noodles and topped with juicy lightly breaded chicken breasts. No wonder it went viral on social media, especially TikTok.
No wine or alcohol in this recipe, so it’s a great quick 30 minutes weeknight dinner the whole family will love. I’ll show you step-by-step how easy it is to make.
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Viral TikTok Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Why did this recipe go viral? Pasta recipes are loved on TikTok, Instagram and Youtube and have millions of views. Quick and delicious are a must, this one is both.
Perfect spring and summer pasta dish with fresh lemons, garlic, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth in the creamy alfredo sauce. The juicy chicken in has more lemon, pepper, and Italian herbs. Yum.
Love Pasta? Check out these indulgent recipes - TikTok Spaghetti Alfredo, Marry Me Chicken Pasta, TikTok Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta and 17 The Best Viral TikTok Pasta Recipes !!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Chicken- Thin whole chicken breast is what I used but tenders or thighs will work perfectly. You can also cut them into chunks prior to cooking them.
Lemons - Fresh lemons are a must used for the zest and juice. Pre-squeezed bottle just does not have the same flavor.
Flour - All-purpose adds a nice crust to the chicken, can substitute cornstarch.
Butter & Oil - Unsalted is best to control the sodium. Use a high temp neutral oil like avocado or vegetable.
Italian Seasonings & Spices - Your favorite mixed Italian blend would be great. I like to use individual spices and seasoning like oregano, thyme, basil, and fresh chopped Italian parsley. Red Pepper Flakes gives the sauce a nice kick, but it can be omitted. Salt and pepper as well.
Onion & Garlic- Fresh chopped garlic and onion adds so much flavor but onion and garlic powder can be substituted.
Chicken Broth - Boxed, canned, or bouillon would be great. Substitute vegetable broth if preferred.
Heavy Cream - Heavy whipping cream is used to easily make a quick alfredo sauce. Substitute half and half in a pinch.
Parmesan - Freshly grated parmesan is best. To save time use pre-shredded or grated.
Pasta - Any short or long pasta would be great. Penne, bowtie, rigatoni, linguini, fettuccini, tortellini.
Tips and Suggestions
Start boiling your pasta first, while cooking the chicken, to get dinner on the table quicker.
Marinate the chicken with your favorite spices and lemon juice for a couple hours in the refrigerator for an extra punch flavor.
Substitute or swap the chicken for shrimp or salmon.
Want a lemon pepper flavor? Add more lemon zest or juice and extra freshly cracked black pepper.
Add in extra flavors like capers, artichokes, chopped roasted red peppers, tomatoes, frozen peas or cooked mushrooms and bacon.
If you like crispy chicken use an egg and panko breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs instead of the flour.
For a very light colored lemon alfredo sauce cook the chicken separately. Don’t use the same pan, add a couple tablespoons of butter or oil to saute the garlic and onions.
How To Serve Viral TikTok Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
This creamy lemon chicken pasta is made in right in the skillet and can be taken straight to the dinner table. Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables and garlic bread as sides or make a cool and crispy salad.
Try this Viral Crunchy Lemon Parmesan Salad or 15 Minute Garlic Bread recipe !!!
Leftovers and Storage
If there are any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and easily reheated in the microwave.
Making this for meal prep? It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Step By Step Photos and Directions
- Grab all the ingredients and prep them.
- In a bowl add thin chicken breasts and season with your favorite all-purpose spices and Italian herbs, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. In a large saucepan bring water to boil to cook the fettuccine pasta. Cook pasta using the package directions till al dente or the consistency you prefer.
3. Dredge seasoned chicken with the flour.
4. In a skillet on low-medium heat add the butter and oil. Cook the seasoned chicken in batches, remove, and set aside. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Raise the heat to medium and add chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
Optional - For a very light colored lemon alfredo sauce don’t use the same pan with the brown chicken flavor. I love the flavor of the brown butter and cooked chicken but it does darken the sauce a touch.
6. Deglaze the pot by adding the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Use a whisk to scrape the bottom to mix in all that good flavor. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the heavy cream and mix well and cook until the sauce is hot and comes to a simmer.
8. Reduce heat to low and slowly add in grated parmesan cheese. Salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: Mix in any cooked vegetable or meat (ie mushrooms, frozen peas, or bacon).
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in cooked fettuccine pasta.
10. Top with the cooked lightly breaded chicken breasts, slice of lemon on each piece, and garnish with extra parmesan and chopped Italian parsley. Enjoy.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
- Large Pot
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Bowl
- Cooking Spoon
- Metal Wire Whisk
Ingredients
Season Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs. Chicken Breast, Tenders or Thighs
- 1-2 tbsp . All-Purpose Seasoning Blend of Choice and Italian Seasoning
- Dry Spice Options - Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Basil and Thyme
- Salt and Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp. Butter
- 2 tbsp. Avocado or Vegetable Oil
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
Lemon Alfredo Sauce
- 1 tbsp. Butter
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Garlic (Minced or Chopped)
- ½ cup Onion (Minced or Chopped)
- 1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
- Zest of 1-2 Fresh Lemons (Depending on how much lemon flavor you prefer)
- Fresh Squeezed Juice of 1-2 Lemons (Depending on how much lemon flavor you prefer)
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- 1 ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
- 2 tbsp. Fresh Italian Parsley (Chopped) For Garnish and Serving
- Lemon Slices and Parmesan For Garnish and Serving
Pasta
- 8oz Fettuccine (about ½ of 1 pound box)
Instructions
Season Chicken
- In a bowl add thin chicken breasts and season with your favorite all-purpose spices and Italian herbs, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Marinate for a couple of hours is best, if you have the time.
Cook The Pasta
- In a large saucepan bring water to boil to cook the fettuccine pasta. Cook pasta using the package directions till al dente or the consistency you prefer.
Cook The Chicken and Lemon Alfredo Sauce
- Dredge seasoned chicken with the flour.
- In a skillet on low-medium heat add the butter and oil. Cook the seasoned chicken in batches, remove, and set aside. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Raise the heat to medium and add chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot by adding the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Use a whisk to scrape the bottom to mix in all that good flavor. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and mix well and cook until the sauce is hot and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly add in grated parmesan cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. Optional: Mix in any cooked vegetable or meat (ie mushrooms, frozen peas, or bacon).
- Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in cooked fettuccine pasta. Top with the cooked lightly breaded chicken breasts, slice of lemon on each piece, and garnish with extra parmesan and chopped Italian parsley. Enjoy.
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