Quick & Tangy Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something quick, delicious, and this lemon parmesan one-pan pasta delivers every single time.

Busy home cooks rejoice at meals that minimize cleanup and maximize flavor.

Tangy citrus notes dance beautifully with rich, nutty parmesan cheese in this streamlined recipe.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of creamy and bright ingredients.

The magic happens in just one pan, saving you precious time and energy after a long day.

Simple pantry staples come together to create a restaurant-worthy dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

You’ll love how effortlessly this pasta comes together, making dinner stress completely disappear.

How to Cook Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta Step-by-Step

• Chicken Preparation

Generously coat chicken with seasoning for maximum flavor.

• Skillet Searing

Create a golden crust by cooking chicken undisturbed in hot oil, allowing each side to develop rich color.

• Liquid Magic

Introduce chicken stock and gently simmer, covering the pan to lock in moisture and tenderness.

• Flavor Foundation

Infuse the skillet with garlic’s aromatic essence, building a delicious base for the sauce.

• Wine and Cream Symphony

Blend white wine, chicken stock, and lemon juice, creating a harmonious liquid that will transform into a luxurious sauce.

• Pasta Dance

Nestle pasta into the bubbling liquid, letting it absorb the surrounding flavors while cooking to perfect texture.

• Cheese Finale

Melt Parmesan into the sauce, creating a creamy blanket that elevates the entire dish.

• Elegant Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley, zesty lemon shavings, and a hint of red pepper flakes to add brightness and subtle heat.

• Serving Presentation

Arrange sliced chicken atop the pasta, finishing with an extra dusting of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality touch.

Tips and Substitutions for One-Pan Lemon Parmesan Pasta

• Personalize this one-pan wonder with creative twists that elevate your dining experience.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a quick protein transformation that keeps dinner exciting and versatile.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to add depth and brightness to the sauce, creating a unique flavor profile every time.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance – from a gentle sprinkle to a bold kick that ignites your taste buds with excitement.
• Toss in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking to pack extra nutrition and color into this already delicious meal.

Lemon Parmesan Pasta: Serving Style Ideas

• Garnish with Citrus Zing: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the pasta to brighten the dish with a tangy, aromatic finish that enhances the creamy sauce.
• Pair with Fresh Greens: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Companion Delight: Pour a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemony, cheesy flavors of the one-pan pasta.
• Bread on the Side: Add crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal with a satisfying crunch.

One-Pan Pasta Storage and Meal Prep Info

• Maximize Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken and sauce to enjoy quick lunches throughout the week. Store separately in airtight containers for easy reheating.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3 days. Separate pasta and chicken to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Later: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Consume within 2 months for best flavor and quality.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 670 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta

• Chicken Breast: Select tender, fresh cuts for juicy results, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Salt: Enhances chicken's natural taste and helps create a perfect seasoning crust.

• Chicken Stock: Adds rich depth and moisture, creating a luxurious sauce base.
• White Wine: Introduces complex flavor profile and helps deglaze the pan for deeper taste.
• Half and Half: Provides creamy texture and smooth consistency to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish with tangy, fresh acidity.

• Garlic: Offers robust, pungent flavor that forms the sauce's flavor foundation.
• Butter: Creates silky sauce texture and adds rich, golden undertones.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, green herbaceous notes and visual appeal.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrusy brightness and adds aromatic complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant color contrast.

Tools That Make Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta Simple

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the sauce.
• Measuring cups: Precise for adding stock, wine, and half and half.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring pasta and sauce.
• Chef's knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Grater: Used for zesting lemon and grating Parmesan cheese.
• Plate with foil: Helps rest chicken while preparing sauce.
• Cutting board: Provides surface for ingredient preparation.

Vibrant Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon parmesan one-pan pasta blends Italian simplicity with zesty flavors. Home cooks can savor this quick, elegant meal that combines fresh ingredients and minimal cleanup for a satisfying dinner experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts, pounded to an even ¼ inch (0.64 cm) thick
• 1–2 tbsps Cajun seasoning or all-purpose chicken seasoning
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ½ lb (227 g) angel hair pasta
• 4 tbsps butter
• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ¾ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio)
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• 1 cup half and half, room temperature
• ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with selected seasoning, ensuring complete and even coverage on both surfaces.
2. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, carefully place seasoned chicken, and cook undisturbed until a rich golden-brown crust forms (3-4 minutes).
3. Moisture Infusion: Flip chicken, introduce chicken stock, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes until perfectly cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to maintain warmth.
4. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper, then deglaze with white wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate flavors.
5. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock and lemon juice into the skillet, gradually blend in half and half, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add pasta, breaking into smaller pieces if necessary, and cook while stirring consistently.
6. Pasta Completion: Reduce heat, continue cooking until pasta reaches ideal al dente texture. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese to naturally thicken the sauce.
7. Final Embellishment: Sprinkle chopped parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Toss ingredients thoroughly, plate with sliced chicken, and garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Thoroughly season chicken to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration in every bite.
• Timing is Key: Watch for golden-brown crust development when searing chicken, which signals perfect caramelization and locks in juiciness.
• Sauce Secrets: Gradually add half and half to prevent curdling and achieve silky, smooth sauce consistency.
• Cheese Wisdom: Reserve some Parmesan for final garnish to maintain textural contrast and enhance visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg