why make this recipe
This dish is quick, creamy, and bright. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. The lemon makes the sauce fresh. It is a good low-carb meal when you use palmini pasta.
introduction
Easy Chicken Lemon Alfredo mixes tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and fresh lemon. You can make it in one skillet and have dinner ready in about 20 minutes. If you want another quick Alfredo idea, see a quick chicken Alfredo for more inspiration.
how to make Easy Chicken Lemon Alfredo
Follow the simple steps below. You can swap pasta or add vegetables if you like. For a different spice note, try a version with Cajun flavors like this Cajun Alfredo twist.
Ingredients :
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Palmini pasta (or preferred low-carb pasta)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken and palmini pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
how to serve Easy Chicken Lemon Alfredo
Serve it hot on plates. Add extra parsley on top. A light side salad or steamed broccoli goes well. A squeeze of lemon on top brightens the flavors.
how to store Easy Chicken Lemon Alfredo
Cool the dish to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat or in the microwave until warm. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce is too thick after reheating.
tips to make Easy Chicken Lemon Alfredo
- Use fresh lemon for the best bright flavor.
- Grate fresh Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Cook chicken in even pieces so it cooks fast and evenly.
- If the sauce gets too thick, thin it with a little cream or chicken broth.
- For another creamy option with greens, try a spinach Alfredo idea like spinach Alfredo with chicken meatballs.
variation (if any)
- Swap palmini with zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or regular pasta.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more veggies.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Use boneless thighs and cut them into pieces. They stay juicy and cook well.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Heavy cream gives the best creamy texture. You can use milk plus a little butter, but the sauce will be thinner.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from splitting?
A: Keep heat low when you add cheese. Whisk slowly and do not boil the sauce.
Q: Is palmini pasta ready to eat or do I need to cook it?
A: Follow the palmini package directions. Many types just need rinsing and a quick heat.
Conclusion
For another creamy lemon chicken pasta to compare techniques and flavors, see Natasha’s creamy lemon chicken pasta recipe.
Print
Easy Chicken Lemon Alfredo
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A quick and creamy chicken Alfredo dish with fresh lemon flavors, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Palmini pasta (or preferred low-carb pasta)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken and palmini pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a different flavor, try adding Cajun spices or swap in shrimp for the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken alfredo, lemon alfredo, quick dinner, low-carb meal, creamy sauce