Cream Cheese Lemon Chicken Pasta
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this Cream Cheese Lemon Chicken Pasta! This dish seamlessly blends the creamy richness of cream cheese with the zesty brightness of lemon, creating a mouthwatering pasta that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, craving a comforting weeknight meal, or just looking to impress your family with something new, this pasta dish strikes the ideal balance between simplicity and indulgence.
What truly makes this recipe shine is its versatility and ease of preparation. In less than 30 minutes, you can go from your kitchen to dining table, serving a dish that feels gourmet yet is totally approachable. The combination of tender chicken, luscious pasta, and creamy sauce is sure to become a family favorite, and the hint of lemon adds a refreshing twist that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Ingredients ready for preparation, including chicken and pasta.
Directions
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the pasta and chicken broth, bringing it to a boil.
- Add the block of cream cheese and the lemon zest to the center of the pot.
- Reduce the heat and let everything simmer until the pasta is cooked and the cream cheese has melted, stirring to combine.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute the chicken breasts with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Optional Variations: Add some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pot for a pop of color and extra nutrition. For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes.
- Storage or Reheating Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
Cream Cheese Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 zest lemon Zest only
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed drizzle olive oil For sautéing
- Parmesan cheese for serving Optional
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the pasta and chicken broth, bringing it to a boil.
- Add the block of cream cheese and the lemon zest to the center of the pot.
- Reduce the heat and let everything simmer until the pasta is cooked and the cream cheese has melted, stirring to combine.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.