Total Cooking Time: ~35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you’ve got leftover shredded chicken in the fridge, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta is about to become your new favorite quick-fix dinner. Bright lemon, fragrant garlic, and a silky cream sauce come together in minutes, transforming simple leftovers into something fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. The sauce clings to every strand of pasta, balancing richness with citrusy lift and a gentle garlic warmth that fills the kitchen as it cooks.
What makes this recipe special is how effortlessly it turns leftovers into a dish that tastes completely intentional. The lemon keeps things light and refreshing, while the creamy base adds comfort without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute meals, or those evenings when you want something homemade without starting from scratch. Anyone who loves cozy pasta with a bright twist will be hooked after the first bite.
This dish shines as a casual family dinner, a cozy solo meal, or even a quick lunch the next day. Estimated calories: ~470 per serving, depending on cream and pasta choice.
Key Ingredients
Simple ingredients work together to create bold, balanced flavor:
- Cooked Shredded Chicken – Saves time and adds tender protein
- Pasta (Linguine, Spaghetti, or Penne) – Carries the creamy sauce beautifully
- Olive Oil – Adds smooth richness and helps bloom the garlic
- Butter – Creates depth and silkiness in the sauce
- Garlic – Bold, aromatic backbone of the dish
- Heavy Cream – Forms the luscious sauce base
- Chicken Broth – Lightens the cream and boosts savoriness
- Lemon Zest – Bright citrus aroma and freshness
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Cuts through richness with acidity
- Parmesan Cheese – Nutty, salty depth
- Salt – Enhances all flavors
- Black Pepper – Gentle warmth and balance
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional heat for contrast
- Italian Seasoning – Herbal warmth
- Fresh Parsley or Basil – Fresh, colorful finish
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant—avoid browning.
Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 4–5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
Fold the shredded chicken into the sauce and warm for 2–3 minutes. Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until silky and glossy. Finish by stirring in Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes, then remove from heat.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy lemon garlic pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is silky and glossy. Twirl generous portions into shallow bowls, finishing with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a crack of black pepper. The pale, creamy sauce speckled with lemon zest and herbs looks elegant yet comforting—perfect for an easy but impressive meal.
For a more complete spread, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. It also works beautifully as a casual dinner-party pasta, paired with warm bread and olive oil for dipping. Whether plated simply or dressed up, it always feels fresh, cozy, and satisfying.
Storage + Meal Prep
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the lemon and cream, the flavors stay bright and balanced, though the sauce may thicken as it sits.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir well and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of herbs to revive the flavors. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen, as creamy lemon sauces can change texture when thawed.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Leftover Shredded Chicken proves that leftovers don’t have to feel boring. With just a few pantry ingredients, you get a dish that’s bright, comforting, and full of fresh flavor—perfect for turning yesterday’s chicken into today’s crave-worthy meal.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this pasta is quick, flexible, and endlessly satisfying. Add spinach, capers, or peas if you like, and don’t forget to share how you customized it. Once you try it, you’ll start saving leftover chicken just to make it again.
