Lemon Herb Chicken Alfredo with Spinach Pasta

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Lemon Herb Chicken Alfredo with Spinach Pasta is more than just a meal — it's a flavor-packed experience. With creamy sauce, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs, it’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special dinner.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken Alfredo with Spinach Pasta

Chicken breast is the protein star, offering a lean and juicy element. Fettuccine pasta serves as the hearty base, soaking up the creamy sauce beautifully. Heavy cream gives the Alfredo sauce its rich, luxurious texture, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth. Chicken broth helps thin the sauce slightly and infuses more flavor. Butter ensures a smooth, luscious consistency. Garlic provides that essential aromatic punch. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish with citrusy notes. Spinach adds a pop of color and subtle earthiness. Fresh parsley and basil enhance the dish with their herbaceous touch. A little salt and pepper rounds everything out, while olive oil assists in achieving a perfect sear on the chicken.

Tips & Tricks

  • To keep the chicken juicy, let it rest after cooking before slicing.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it up.
  • Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For an added touch, serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce. A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the citrus and herb notes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Tagliatelle or linguine would work well if you don’t have fettuccine.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount since they are more concentrated.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Lemon Herb Chicken Alfredo with Spinach Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain and set it aside. Meanwhile, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, cooking until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through — this should take about 6-7 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.

Using the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté it just until fragrant, which takes about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring them together until well combined. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Now, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and basil. Slice the rested chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the spinach. Toss in the cooked fettuccine, ensuring everything is generously coated in the sauce. Serve immediately, and if you like, garnish with a little more Parmesan and herbs.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Zesty lemon adds a refreshing twist to creamy Alfredo.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley and basil bring vibrant flavors.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
  • Hearty and satisfying without being too heavy.
  • Easy to adapt for different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast
1 lb fettuccine pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
6. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and basil.
8. Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce along with the spinach.
9. Toss in the cooked fettuccine, ensuring everything is well coated in the sauce.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and herbs if desired.

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