Introduction
Alright, friends—if you love cozy, creamy pasta with a fresh citrusy zing, you have to try this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta. It’s rich without being heavy, tangy thanks to real lemon juice and zest, and made extra comforting with melty Parmesan and tender rotisserie chicken. I love that it’s baked (hello golden cheesy topping!), and it comes together with pantry staples you probably already have. It’s like chicken Alfredo met a lemony pasta primavera—and they fell in love. This is a weeknight dinner win or a potluck hero waiting to happen.
Detailed Ingredients 🧄🍋🧀🍗🍝
- 🍝 12 oz pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape!)
- 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 🫒 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 🧄 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 🧀 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 🍷 ½ cup dry white wine
- 🍋 2 medium lemons, zested & juiced (save the zest!)
- 🍶 1 cup sour cream
- 🌾 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 🍗 2 cups chicken broth
- 🌶️ ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- 🧂 Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 🌿 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 🍗 4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (or any cooked chicken)
Direction
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water for 6 minutes (it should still be a little firm). Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter and add olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 2 minutes.
- Add cream cheese and stir gently until melted and smooth.
- Stir in wine and lemon juice—hello flavor!
- In a small bowl, mix flour into the sour cream, then add it to the skillet.
- Add chicken broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup Parmesan, lemon zest, and thyme.
- Combine the pasta and chicken with the sauce, then pour it all into the baking dish.
- Top with remaining Parmesan and bake, covered, for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 5–10 minutes until lightly browned and bubbly.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving (if you can wait!).
My Story
I first made this dish on a random Tuesday when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and zero energy to make anything complicated. I had pasta, lemons, and a little cream cheese hanging out in the fridge—so I played around and created something that immediately made it into our regular rotation. The bright lemon cuts through the creaminess just enough to make it feel light, and that hint of heat from the red pepper flakes? It’s perfection. Now anytime I’m craving comfort food with a little springtime flair, this is my go-to. My husband asks for it by name, and even my picky eater gives it the “clean plate” seal of approval. It’s just one of those easy, feel-good meals that makes life taste a little better.
FAQ
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! Shredded turkey, shrimp, or even tofu works well here.
What if I don’t have wine?
Substitute with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice and water.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Do I have to bake it?
Not at all. You can skip the oven step and serve straight from the skillet if you’re short on time.
Suggestion
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty sourdough for dipping into the sauce.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Add sautéed spinach or kale to sneak in some greens.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs before baking for a little crunch.
- Make it spicy by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding chili oil on top.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is one of those rare meals that checks every box: creamy, bright, cozy, and totally satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but fancy enough to serve to guests—especially when you need something foolproof. The lemon zest keeps it fresh, while the creamy Parmesan sauce wraps every bite in comfort. It’s also super customizable depending on what you’ve got in the fridge. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or planning a casual dinner party, this pasta bake brings big flavor without the fuss. So next time you need a cozy pasta night, grab some lemons and cheese—you won’t regret it.
Happy cooking!
— Sarah Cooper, Gotubbe.com
