This creamy lemon basil pasta makes an elegant weeknight dinner while still being simple to prepare. Tender, spice-rubbed chicken is seared until golden brown, then combined with al dente pasta in a silky sauce of garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan for a rich, comforting dish.
Finishing the pasta with bright lemon juice and fresh basil keeps the flavors lively, making this creamy pasta dish both comforting and fresh — ideal for a cozy family dinner. If you enjoy creamy pasta recipes, this lemon basil pasta recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or cutlets
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh lemon juice
- Ditalini pasta
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full ingredient details.
Instructions & Video
Season & fry the chicken breasts!
Add the garlic, cream, and spices to build the sauce.
Add the al dente pasta and toss to coat.
Serve with extra parmesan and fresh basil.
- Season the chicken: combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and basil. Rub both sides of the chicken to create a flavorful coating.
- Cook the pasta: bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ditalini until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear the chicken: heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
- If the chicken is browning too fast, finish it in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with paprika and basil. Simmer briefly until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan and lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
- Slice the chicken and arrange on top of the pasta. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Scroll down to the recipe card for measurements and nutrition details.
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: Substitute thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Ditalini pasta: Use orzo, shells, elbows, or any short pasta cooked al dente.
- Olive oil: Swap for canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil.
- Butter: You can deglaze the pan with a splash of wine or water instead.
- Garlic: Use garlic powder or a garlic-onion paste if needed.
- Heavy cream: Try half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or cashew/coconut cream for dairy-free options.
- Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well.
- Lemon juice: Substitute with lemon zest or lime juice for a different citrus note.
- Basil: Fresh basil is best, but parsley works in a pinch.
- Add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, corn, spinach, or asparagus make great additions.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for searing chicken and making the sauce
- Tongs or a spatula for turning chicken
- Microplane or grater for fresh parmesan
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on low heat on the stove with a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.
Top tips for Success!
- Reserve pasta water — the starchy liquid helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheese can be grainy.
- Add lemon juice off the heat to avoid curdling the cream and keep the sauce silky.
- Cook pasta in well-salted water so each bite is properly seasoned.
FAQs
Yes. Creamy pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare and refrigerate leftovers. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Absolutely. Cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, or other favorite vegetables complement the flavors well.
Yes — add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when cooking the garlic to introduce heat.
Related
Looking for other easy pasta recipes? Try the other simple, creamy dishes featured in the recipe list below.
-
The Best Street Corn Pasta Salad with Chicken
-
Creamy White Bolognese Sauce (with Rigatoni)
-
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ramen
-
Fantastic Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe with Chicken
Pairing
These desserts pair nicely with lemon basil pasta:
-
Salted Brown Butter Maple Syrup
-
No-Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
-
The Viral Dot Cakes (Dessert)
-
Ultimate Red Velvet Cookies with Chocolate Chip
Fantastic Lemon Basil Pasta Recipe with Chicken
Food safety
- Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking unattended to avoid fires or accidents.
- Use oils with an appropriate smoke point for high-heat searing to minimize harmful compounds.
- Ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove.
Follow standard food-safety guidelines for safe cooking and storage.