Whenever I want a meal that feels light, comforting, and full of fresh flavor, I make Lemon Dill Chicken Pasta. The lemon adds brightness, the dill brings a fresh herby taste, and the chicken makes it hearty and satisfying. This pasta is creamy without being heavy and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days or relaxed dinners.
Quick Facts
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Serving Size: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dill Chicken Pasta
This dish is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make in one pan. The lemon and dill combination keeps the pasta light, while the creamy sauce makes it comforting. I love how balanced it is — not too rich, not too sharp, just perfectly smooth and satisfying. It’s also great for leftovers and tastes amazing the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
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2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional: spinach or peas
How I Make My Lemon Dill Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
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Season chicken with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
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Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked.
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Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
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In the same pan, add garlic and cook briefly.
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Pour in cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dill.
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Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
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Add pasta and chicken back to the pan.
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Toss well, adding pasta water if needed.
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Stir in Parmesan and optional veggies.
Creamy, fresh, and perfectly lemony!
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls.
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Add a fresh green salad on the side.
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Top with extra Parmesan and fresh dill.
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Enjoy with iced tea or sparkling water.
Tips for Customization
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Make it lighter: Use milk or Greek yogurt instead of cream.
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Extra lemon: Add more zest for a stronger citrus kick.
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Add seafood: Shrimp works beautifully here.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
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Extra veggies: Mushrooms or zucchini are great additions.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 480–540
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Carbs: 45–50g
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Fat: 22–26g
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Protein: 28–32g
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just add it at the end to warm through.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add a splash of milk when reheating.
3. Does dill taste strong?
No — it adds freshness without overpowering the dish.
4. Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream sauces may change texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Final Forkful
This Lemon Dill Chicken Pasta is fresh, creamy, and incredibly comforting. It’s the perfect balance of bright lemon flavor and cozy pasta goodness. If you’re looking for an easy meal that feels special without much effort, this recipe is a must-try.
