Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta

Posted on December 3, 2025

Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the zesty brightness of lemon and the rich creaminess of parmesan in a single, easy-to-make recipe. This one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, as it combines flavorful chicken with fresh herbs and garlic for a meal that’s both comforting and classy. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Made in just one pan, this recipe simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights.
Flavorful Profile: The blend of lemon, garlic, and parmesan creates a mouthwatering taste that elevates your pasta game.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences or what you have on hand, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Perfectly Creamy: The addition of half and half results in a luscious sauce that coats each strand of pasta beautifully.
Impressive Presentation: Topped with tender slices of chicken and fresh parsley, this dish looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make preparing Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta a breeze. Here are some essentials you’ll need to whip up this delicious meal.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large skillet
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking chicken and pasta together without overcrowding.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate quantities for fluid ingredients like stock and grape juice, which is key for flavor balance.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without damaging your cookware while ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

This yummy easy one-pan pasta that’s delicately delicious is full of lemony white grape juice flavor, tons of garlic, and parmesan topped with slices of tender juicy chicken breasts. Perfect for an easy weeknight; you’ll love how quick and simple this recipe is to make.

For the Chicken

2 chicken breasts (pounded to an even 1/4 inch thick)
1-2 tablespoons cajun seasoning or all-purpose chicken seasoning (use your favorite)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

1/3 cup chicken stock
4 tablespoons butter
6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
3/4 cups dry white grape juice (sauv blanc, chard, or white grape juice)
3/4 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice + zest of one lemon
1 cup half and half, room temp

For the Pasta & Garnish

1/2 lb angel hair pasta
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Fresh parsley to garnish
Red pepper flakes to taste
Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp of each)

How to Make Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken liberally on both sides with cajun seasoning or all-purpose seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
1. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
2. Cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Flip the chicken just once; then add 1/3 cup of chicken stock.
4. Reduce heat to simmer, cover the pan, and allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate tented with foil.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Melt butter over medium heat in the same skillet (some leftover chicken stock in the pan is fine).
1. Add minced garlic into the melted butter.
2. Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute), then add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add in 3/4 cup white grape juice into the skillet.
1. Cook for about 2 minutes to allow it to reduce slightly.
2. Stir in another 3/4 cup of chicken stock along with 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
3. Slowly pour in room temperature half-and-half while bringing it to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add angel hair pasta directly into the pan; break it in half if needed or use tongs to bend it into shape as it heats up.
1. Allow pasta to simmer for about 4-5 minutes while stirring frequently.
2. Reduce heat to low and continue simmering until pasta reaches al dente texture.

Step 6: Add Cheese & Serve

Gradually stir in parmesan cheese while reserving some for serving later.
1. Note that as it sits, the sauce will continue to thicken.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes before tossing well.

Step 7: Plate It Up!

Serve hot with sliced chicken on top along with extra parmesan cheese as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta!

How to Serve Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta

Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta is not only quick and easy to make, but it also offers a delightful combination of flavors that can be enhanced by thoughtful serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing complement the pasta beautifully.

Add Grilled Vegetables

Zucchini and Bell Peppers: Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of these veggies, making them a great side.
Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus spears add a nice crunch and vibrant color to your plate.

Top with Extra Garnishes

Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating enhances the lemon flavor.
Additional Parmesan: Serving with extra freshly shredded Parmesan elevates the dish’s richness.

Serve with Crusty Bread

Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread pairs perfectly for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Focaccia: Soft focaccia bread adds a delightful texture alongside the pasta.

How to Perfect Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta

To achieve the best results with your Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta, consider these helpful tips:

Bold Chicken Seasoning: Use your favorite seasoning to enhance the chicken’s flavor. This sets a strong base for your dish.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always opt for fresh garlic and lemon. They will elevate the overall taste of your pasta.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers. For perfect al dente, test it just before time is up.
Gradual Cheese Addition: Add Parmesan gradually to ensure it melts evenly and creates a creamy sauce.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more of chicken stock or half-and-half while stirring.
Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on parsley and red pepper flakes; they add color and flavor contrast that makes each bite special.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta

A delicious main dish like Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta deserves sides that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with garlic provide a hearty side that pairs well with pasta.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrients and a pop of green to your meal.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer freshness in every bite.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and herbs adds texture without being heavy.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring out natural sugars that balance the savory elements of pasta.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland results. Always season generously on both sides before cooking.
Overcooking the pasta: Allowing the pasta to cook too long will make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and taste frequently to ensure it’s al dente.
Ignoring the garlic: Cooking garlic for too long can turn it bitter. Sauté just until fragrant to keep its flavor bright and fresh.
Using cold ingredients: Adding cold half and half or chicken stock can lower the temperature of your dish. Bring them to room temperature before using for better results.
Not saving cheese for topping: Failing to reserve some Parmesan for garnishing can deprive your dish of extra flavor. Set aside a bit of cheese before mixing it into the sauce.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta

Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta?

Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken, lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan cheese all cooked together in one pan.

How can I customize my Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta?

You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition or swap out chicken for turkey or lamb based on your preferences.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While angel hair is used in this recipe, any pasta shape you enjoy will work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I make Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta without chicken?

Feel free to substitute chicken with beef or turkey for a different flavor profile while keeping the recipe just as delicious.

Conclusion

Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. Its creamy texture combined with zesty flavors makes it perfect for any weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables to suit your taste!