If you are craving a dish that effortlessly combines zingy brightness with velvety richness, then the Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Spaghetti Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe brings together juicy, tender chicken breasts perfectly seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and Italian herbs, swimming in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce that clings to every strand of al dente spaghetti. It’s a dinner that feels fancy yet comes together quickly, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and weekend celebrations. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a go-to recipe in your culinary collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds four large pieces of raw chicken, light pink in color with a shiny texture, placed near the top left of the image, on a white marbled surface. Below the plate is a white bowl filled with light yellow cooked spaghetti noodles coiled neatly with two small handles on the sides. To the right of the plate is a small clear glass filled with pale yellow lemon juice. Next to it, a white bowl contains smooth, creamy white liquid. At the top right corner, a white plate holds fresh green parsley and two whole lemons alongside a few lemon slices showing bright yellow interiors. Surrounding these main items are small white dishes with various ingredients: two yellow powders, some chopped white garlic, a green herb mixture, some grated white cheese, and white flour, all arranged neatly around the main items. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fragrant lemon zest that wakes up your palate to the silky heavy cream that wraps everything in a delightful richness, every item is a building block toward the perfect dish.

Olive oil: Essential for creating a beautiful golden crust on the chicken while adding healthy fats and subtle flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star protein that stays juicy when cooked just right.
All-purpose flour: Used to lightly coat the chicken for a slight crisp and to thicken the sauce.
Lemon pepper seasoning: Brings that bright, peppery citrus punch that defines the dish.
Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herbal depth to the chicken, elevating the flavor profile.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: The foundational seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Garlic: Minced finely for a subtle, aromatic kick.
Flour (additional): For making the creamy sauce perfectly thickened.
Lemon zest and juice: Key to achieving that signature bright and fresh lemon flavor that sings in the sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps to deglaze the pan, capturing all those delicious caramelized bits.
Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base of the Parmesan sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded for maximum flavor and creamy richness.
Lemon wedges and fresh chopped parsley: Perfect for garnish, adding visual appeal and a pop of freshness.
Al dente spaghetti: The perfect pasta partner to soak up all that heavenly sauce.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise so that you end up with four thinner pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and faster. Then, give each piece a generous seasoning of lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. This combination sets the foundation for that signature bright, herby flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You want a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor. If your pan gets crowded, cook in batches to ensure even searing. Don’t forget to add a splash more oil if the pan gets dry. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside—it’s about to get luxurious company.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown. Next, stir in flour and cook for approximately one minute, which forms the roux that will thicken your sumptuous sauce. Now, deglaze the pan with freshly squeezed lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom—they hold so much flavor!

Step 4: Create the Velvety Finish

Stir in heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest, seasoning with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer over medium heat until it thickens up to a luscious, creamy consistency. Don’t rush this step; the sauce’s depth and texture are what make this dish sing.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the chicken drippings back into the pan to deepen the flavor profile, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Then nestle your cooked chicken back into the sauce and warm it through for about a minute. This gentle reheating ensures every bite is saturated with that irresistible creamy lemon Parmesan goodness.

Step 6: Plate with Spaghetti

Serve your tender chicken and sauce over perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti. Don’t forget the finishing touches—fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkling of fresh parsley to brighten the presentation and offer a hint of freshness with each forkful.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Spaghetti Recipe

Three cooked chicken pieces are in a large white pan with light blue handles. The chicken pieces are placed side by side in a row, showing light brown grill marks and a seasoning of green herbs. Around the chicken, the pan shows browned oil and spices, giving a textured look behind the pieces. The pan sits on a white marbled surface that is smooth and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make this dish feel even more special, always garnish with thin lemon wedges or slices and freshly chopped parsley. The citrus wedges invite diners to add an extra squeeze of brightness, while the parsley adds a beautiful pop of green that contrasts the creamy sauce. These small touches elevate not only the flavor but also the visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Spaghetti Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon makes for an inviting balance to the rich main dish. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts are also fantastic companions, adding texture and earthy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your dinner guests? Serve the chicken sliced into strips atop a twirl of spaghetti, pooling the sauce artfully around the plate. For a family-style feel, offer a large platter with the chicken nestled in the sauce and surrounded by a nest of spaghetti, letting everyone serve themselves. Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few red pepper flakes can bring an interesting depth and a slight kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Spaghetti Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, but a quick stir and gentle reheating will bring it back to the perfect consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and sauce together, but for best texture, consider freezing the sauce separately from the pasta. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge before gently reheating to avoid curdling the creamy sauce.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its silky smooth texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to preserve the delicate creaminess and prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will bring a bit more richness and stay juicy, especially if you prefer darker meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, you can try half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. Adding a small amount of cornstarch can help achieve a similar creamy texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce. Just be sure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! You can fully cook the chicken and sauce ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat when guests arrive. Cook the spaghetti fresh to maintain its perfect al dente texture, then combine just before serving.

What pasta can I use instead of spaghetti?

This recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to most pasta, so feel free to choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Spaghetti Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines fresh, comforting, and luxurious flavors all on one plate. Whether you are cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish offers the perfect balance of ease and elegance. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it quickly become one of your most beloved recipes to revisit again and again!