Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish combining tender chicken strips, fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and plant-based cream cheese sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, protein-rich meal that balances bright citrus flavors with smooth, comforting creaminess. Garnished with fresh parsley, this adaptable recipe suits busy weeknights and can be customized with various proteins, vegetables, and pasta types.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti (gluten-free if preferred)
- Water and salt for boiling
Sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 4 oz plant-based cream cheese (cream cheese style)
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
Finishing touches
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice boneless chicken breasts into thin strips for quicker cooking. Season with salt, black pepper, and a tablespoon of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Set aside while you prepare the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your preferred pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Garlic and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until golden and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Create the Lemon Garlic Sauce: Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice, vegetable broth, and a teaspoon of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir to combine and allow the sauce to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavors.
- Add Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low and fold in the plant-based cream cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and silkily coats the chicken. Use reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Toss in the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss so all noodles are coated with the luscious lemon garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and fresh herb flavor. Serve warm and enjoy a balanced, comforting plate of Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best brightness and aroma.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a creamy, cohesive sauce.
- Add plant-based cream cheese on low heat to maintain a smooth sauce without separation.
- Minced fresh garlic provides superior flavor compared to powdered alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: thirty five g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta, plant-based cream cheese pasta, quick chicken pasta, creamy lemon pasta, garlic chicken pasta
