Creamy Dreamy: The Ultimate Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Craving comfort food that’s both indulgent and surprisingly bright? Look no further than this Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta! This recipe combines succulent, pan-seared chicken with a luscious, creamy lemon sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to impress guests, this dish delivers.

This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s an experience. The tangy lemon cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and addictive flavor profile. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the pasta absorbs all the delicious sauce. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve pasta perfection.

Why This Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a Winner

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of lemon, garlic, parmesan, and cream creates a truly unforgettable taste.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences – add vegetables, swap cheeses, or use different types of pasta.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Elegant Yet Simple: Impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. We’ll be pan-searing these, so even thickness is key.
• Pasta: 1 lb of your favorite pasta shape. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini all work well.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. This is the base of our creamy sauce, so don’t skimp!
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup. Adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Low sodium is recommended so you can control the salt level.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated. Pre-shredded parmesan doesn’t melt as well and has a different flavor.
• Lemon: 1 large lemon. We’ll need the zest and juice.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent aroma and flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For searing the chicken.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Adds richness to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch for a little heat.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): For garnish.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Lemon zester
• Lemon juicer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures they cook evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use plenty of water to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” – the pasta should be firm to the bite.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
4. Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough that the chicken sizzles when it hits the pan.
2. Sear Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
3. Remove and Rest: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
4. Slice Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add Chicken Broth and Lemon Juice: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits add a ton of flavor!
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, for about 2-3 minutes. This will concentrate the flavors.
4. Add Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a simmer.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping.
6. Season: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember that the parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley (if using).

Tips for the Best Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold the sauce well. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the sauce.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the sauce. Cook it over medium heat and watch it carefully.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is a secret weapon for creating a creamy and emulsified sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for a tangier flavor, more parmesan cheese for a cheesier flavor, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier flavor.
• Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and prevents it from drying out.
• Let the Chicken Rest: Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Variations and Additions

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some vegetables like spinach, broccoli, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic.
• Swap Cheeses: Try using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere.
• Use Different Pasta: Experiment with different pasta shapes, such as orecchiette, farfalle, or cavatappi.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
• Add Protein: Instead of chicken, you could use shrimp, scallops, or sausage.
• Cream Cheese: A couple of tablespoons of cream cheese stirred into the sauce can add extra creaminess and tang.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a balsamic glaze make a beautiful and delicious side salad.
• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic is a perfect appetizer to serve before the pasta.

Make-Ahead Instructions

While best served fresh, components of this dish can be made ahead:

• Chicken: The chicken can be cooked and sliced up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Sauce: The sauce can be made up to 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat before adding the pasta and chicken. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.

It’s not recommended to cook the pasta ahead of time, as it will become sticky and mushy. However, you can cook it right before serving.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a little milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

While you can freeze this pasta, the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. The texture of the pasta may also change. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
• Fat: 30-40g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 150-200mg
• Sodium: 500-700mg
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-7g
• Protein: 30-40g

This recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy lemon sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy!

Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch). Season both sides with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes. Slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and let reduce slightly, for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley (if using).

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta!

More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Tomato Pasta
• Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• Pesto Chicken Pasta

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