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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

Creamy Lemon Chicken Spaghetti

By: Kathryn Doherty | Last Updated: Mar 5, 2025 | Published: Feb 10, 2016
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Creamy lemon chicken spaghetti features chicken breasts that are cooked in a light, bright lemon and goat cheese sauce and served over spaghetti. It's a fast, flavorful dinner!

A seared lemon slice served on top of a bowl of a lemon chicken spaghetti mixture.


 

Today we are tackling dinnertime with a quick and easy recipe!

Creamy lemon chicken spaghetti is light and luscious.

It features cubed chicken breasts that are cooked in a sauce made with goat cheese and chicken broth and loads of bright citrus notes from the lemon.

And it’s a two-part wham-bam of lemon flavor. First you fry some slices in the pan and later you add some zest and juice.

Yes, please and thank you!

Plus, it's ready in under 30 minutes! That is my kind of weeknight win.

A creamy sauce being poured over a bowl of lemon chicken and spaghetti with fresh parsley.

That creamy lemony sauce pairs great with the al dente spaghetti noodles for serving.

You could of course use a different type of noodle or pasta if you prefer. Linguine or fettucine would work as well.

Or really mix it up and try this with orzo or even just some mashed potatoes.

Just make sure you've got something that's a good pairing for the yummy sauce!

Also, if you love these flavors, you should check out this quick chicken piccata and easy baked lemon chicken. Also this lemony chicken orzo soup is sure to warm you right up.

Or try this lemony orzo chicken salad that makes a fantastic lunch!

A bowl of a creamy chicken and spaghetti noodles mixture with a salad in the background and lemons to the side.

Also, yes, you could technically skip frying the lemon... but you really shouldn’t.

It develops some good lemony bits in the pan that infuse the onions and chicken pieces as they cook.

Plus it looks killer to top your plate with them! We eat with our eyes first, right?

And still, even with that step, this whole chicken spaghetti dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.

Last thing, what to do with any leftovers.

Leftovers, once cooled, can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot.

Hope you give this a try soon and enjoy!

XO,

Kathryn

A white bowl with spaghetti topped with cubed chicken in a creamy lemon sauce and a seared lemon on top.
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Creamy Lemon Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken breasts are cooked in a light, bright lemon and goat cheese sauce and served over spaghetti for a fast, flavorful dinner!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • ¾ lb. whole wheat spaghetti (or regular spaghetti)
  • 1 lemon sliced in ¼-inch slices
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in ½-inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 oz. goat cheese (see notes)
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

For serving (optional):

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook whole wheat spaghetti according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add lemon slices and sear for 1-2 minutes. Flip the lemon slices over and cook 1 more minute. Remove and set aside.
  • Add the remaining two teaspoons olive oil to the pan. Add diced onion and saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic to the pan and saute for an additional 30 seconds, stirring.
  • Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add to pan. Sear on both sides, about 3-5 minutes total. (The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point. It will continue to cook in the sauce.)
  • Add goat cheese and chicken broth and stir to combine and melt the cheese.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 3-5 minutes, until slightly reduced and chicken is cooked through.
  • Stir in lemon zest and juice and serve the chicken and sauce and serve over the cooked and drained spaghetti.
  • Top with reserved fried lemon slices and sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Goat cheese: I used a mild, unflavored goat cheese, but you could certainly make this with an herbed goat cheese. Also, sometimes my goat cheese comes in a 4 oz. package. Other times what I buy is a 5 oz. package. Go on and use the whole thing if you have 5 oz. More cheese is never a bad thing!
Leftovers: Leftovers, once cooled, can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 67g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 543mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or follow me on Instagram @familyfoodonthetable and tag me in your photo!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jacquee | i sugar coat it!

    February 10, 2016 at 7:48 am

    I don't believe I've ever fried lemon - sounds delightful and so does this meal.

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 10, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      Thanks Jacquee! It's super easy and it really does lend a great flavor to the dish!

      Reply
  2. Helen @ family-friends-food.com

    February 10, 2016 at 8:14 am

    That fried lemon looks gorgeous and the goats cheese sauce sounds amazing. I'll just have to figure out a way to make this vegetarian!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 10, 2016 at 1:46 pm

      It's a delicious sauce! Maybe you could use it over some sauteed or roasted veggies and the pasta.

      Reply
  3. Aggie @ Aggie's Kitchen

    February 10, 2016 at 8:40 am

    This looks so amazing!! I just picked up some preserved lemons from Trader Joe's - I've had them in restaurants but never at home, going to use them to make a pasta dish like this. I'm craving this for breakfast 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 10, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      Thanks Aggie! I bet those preserved lemons will be so delicious!

      Reply
  4. Mark, CompassandFork

    February 10, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    I'm with you on Valentines Day, I just don't get it! Maybe I'm scrooge but my wife reckons it is just a "Hallmark Holiday". Your recipe looks great by the way.

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 10, 2016 at 9:20 pm

      Totally invented by Hallmark 🙂 Glad we're not the only ones!

      Reply
  5. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

    February 10, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    We don't normally do a whole lot for Vday either, Kathryn... and I'm not one for cards, I'd rather save the trees. 😉 But I AM all for this chicken!!! LOVE the lemon and goat cheese sauce!! I bet that tastes unbelievably delicious on it's own! But paired with chicken and pasta? Wham bam delici-o-so! YUMM! Cheers, friend!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 10, 2016 at 9:20 pm

      A nice excuse to make a fun, fancy dinner and have a cocktail but other than that... yeah... This chicken though, much more exciting 🙂

      Reply
  6. Ramona W

    February 10, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    What a bright and delicious looking meal. I love that caramelized lemon slice! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 10, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      Thanks! It's so simple but really adds a lot of great fresh flavor to the dish!

      Reply
  7. Elaine @ Flavour and Savour

    February 10, 2016 at 11:09 pm

    That goat cheese sauce sounds PERFECT. I'm always on the lookout for alternatives to cow's milk cheese. Can't wait to make this!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 11, 2016 at 6:11 am

      Thanks Elaine! M had a milk allergy when she was little so I've used goat cheese as a replacement in a lot of dishes 🙂

      Reply
  8. Erin @ Thanks for Cookin'!

    February 10, 2016 at 11:20 pm

    First, I've never made a pasta sauce with goat cheese, which I loooovvvee, so I can't wait to try this one! Second, I like making a fuss about Valentine's but only food wise. I just like to make everything pink and heart shaped all day long! 🙂 But yea, old married couple for sure. I ordered my husband some new beard oil and it came in the mail yesterday. He didn't know it was coming so when he got it I half-jokingly said HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! He looks at me and says "Do I have to buy you something, now?" Romantic! LOL

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 11, 2016 at 6:14 am

      Haha, Erin, that's exactly what my husband would say too! Or me if it was the other way around 🙂 But yes, I can get on board with celebrating with food - any excuse to make a fun dinner and have some nice wine. And of course, making all the foods into hearts 🙂 Hope you give this dinner a try - know you'll love that goat cheese sauce!

      Reply
  9. grace

    February 11, 2016 at 5:07 pm

    this sounds like a delicious dinner! i could even see myself getting this together on a weeknight, when i'm tired and pressed for time. bravo!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 12, 2016 at 6:03 pm

      Thanks Grace! It does make for a really easy and fast weeknight dinner with big flavors!

      Reply
  10. Adri

    February 11, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    This dish sounds great - perfect for a tasty and healthy weeknight meal!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 12, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      Thanks Adri! It's a good go-to for busy nights!

      Reply
  11. Revathi Palani

    February 12, 2016 at 7:04 am

    The pics looks amazing. The dish itself looks delicious and mouthwatering 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 12, 2016 at 6:11 pm

      Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  12. karrie@TastyEverAfter

    February 12, 2016 at 8:57 am

    I'm part of an old married couple too! lol! Sometimes we go out and sometimes not. This year, we aren't going out and that's fine by me. Love this recipe and the addition of the goat cheese. I actually have three different kind of goat cheese in my refrig right now (plain, herbed, and a goat cheese brie). Yeah, I like cheese! I'll have to try your recipe with one of my logs 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 12, 2016 at 6:13 pm

      That's awesome that you are so stocked with goat cheese! We love it here, too - got especially hooked when M had her milk allergy and couldn't have cow's milk. Hope you give this a try and let me know what you think!

      Reply
  13. Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry

    February 15, 2016 at 4:49 am

    Goat's cheese is one of my all-time favourite foods, and the fact that I love pasta goes without saying, so this yummy pasta dish is screaming my name, Kathryn! I love how you are getting into Valentine's Day for the kids despite not being all that into it yourself - I think that's so sweet 🙂 If little chocolate muffins and healthy chocolate pancakes are what's being served, I think anyone could get excited about v-day, regardless of their age 😀 This would be the perfect dish to finish off a long day of cutting out paper love hearts 😉

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 15, 2016 at 6:15 am

      Chocolate certainly does help me get in the festive spirit 😉 And this goat cheese-pasta dish is definitely good for recovery!

      Reply
  14. CakePants

    February 18, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    This looks like such a lovely meal! I've always loved lemon chicken, but never thought to add goat cheese into the mix. Those ingredients together have such a fresh, springtime feel!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 19, 2016 at 10:15 am

      The goat cheese really steps it up a notch! And yes, definitely a very fresh, springy flavor - I'm ready!

      Reply
  15. Frugal Hausfrau

    February 19, 2016 at 3:16 am

    Yum! What a nice healthy take on a pasta! I love goat cheese and I bet it gave such a nice, tangy creamy element! Thanks for sharing this with us on Throwback Thursday!

    Mollie

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 19, 2016 at 10:16 am

      Thanks Mollie! Goat cheese is one of our favorites too 🙂

      Reply
  16. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life

    February 19, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    We're not much for Valentine's Day here either. My husband did buy me a card this year, but that is only because he was at the drugstore getting me cough drops...I had the flu for Valentine's Day this year. Lucky me! I made a comment that I was sorry I didn't get him one (which I never do), and he laughed and said he only picked it up because he was there for the other stuff. So much for romance. LOL We're both pathetic. Anyway, your chicken spaghetti looks delicious...we love goat cheese!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 19, 2016 at 8:47 pm

      Oh no, the flu? That's no fun - but totally a situation where you get to receive a card and not feel guilty about not buying one 🙂 Glad we're not the only pathetic ones out there!

      Reply
  17. Jade @ Jonesin' For Taste

    February 22, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    I love the combo you've created! I haven't eaten lunch yet and my mouth is watering! So yummy! Visiting from FoodieFriDIY

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 22, 2016 at 8:35 pm

      Thanks Jade! It is a tasty combo 🙂

      Reply
  18. Karly

    February 23, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    This looks so fresh and delicious! Love it! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      February 23, 2016 at 8:44 pm

      Thanks Karly! It's definitely a bright, fresh dinner that's also creamy and comforting 🙂

      Reply
  19. Angela

    March 20, 2016 at 10:01 am

    This looks so delicious! I am looking forward to trying it, Pinned 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      March 20, 2016 at 2:25 pm

      Thanks so much, Angela! I hope you'll let me know what you think!

      Reply
  20. Helen Fern

    March 20, 2016 at 11:59 am

    Lemon chicken AND pasta?? I'm in heaven~ Thanks for sharing on the "What's for Dinner" link up!

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      March 20, 2016 at 5:22 pm

      Such a great combo 🙂 Thanks Helen!

      Reply

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Meet Kathryn

Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes to help you get delicious food on the table for your family!

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