Creamy Lemon Rosemary Chicken Pasta

When life calls for comfort food that feels both luxurious and easy, nothing quite hits the mark like Creamy Lemon Rosemary Chicken Pasta. With tender, golden chicken, a rich yet zesty cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish balances indulgence and freshness in every bite. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner when you crave something cozy, flavor-packed, and restaurant-worthy, but without the fuss.

This recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian flavors. Lemon adds brightness, rosemary brings aromatic depth, and Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a creamy richness that coats every strand of pasta. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or impromptu dinner plans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Bright, fresh flavor: Lemon and rosemary create a balanced, aromatic profile.
• Rich, creamy texture: Heavy cream and Parmesan make every bite luscious.
• Versatile: Works with dried or fresh pasta, and chicken can be swapped for turkey or shrimp.
• Comfort food with finesse: Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights.
• Customizable: Adjust creaminess, lemon zest, and rosemary to taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Pasta

• 7 oz dried pasta (200 g) or 10.5 oz fresh pasta (300 g)

Chicken

• 1 chicken breast (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 ¾ oz Parmesan cheese (50 g), finely grated
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Garnish

• Extra rosemary leaves
• Lemon zest
• Additional Parmesan (optional)

Serving size: 2–3 people

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Rolling pin (or meat mallet) for pounding chicken
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Cheese grater
• Tongs for handling chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente—about 1 minute less than package instructions. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavor.

• Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot to keep warm.

Tip: Cooking pasta slightly under prevents it from becoming mushy when combined with the cream sauce.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even thickness of ½ inch using a rolling pin or meat mallet.

• Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Lightly coat the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.

Pro Tip: Even thickness ensures uniform cooking, so you avoid dry edges or undercooked centers.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Sear the chicken for 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove from the skillet, cover loosely with foil, and set aside.

Cooking the chicken first allows you to develop flavor in the pan that will become the base of your sauce.

4. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté gently for 1 minute, being careful not to brown it.

• Stir in rosemary and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in heavy cream and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling, which can cause the cream to separate.

Tip: Using the same pan as the chicken picks up those golden bits (fond), enriching the sauce naturally.

5. Add Cheese and Seasoning

Gradually add Parmesan cheese in 2–3 batches, stirring to melt between additions.

• Mix in black pepper and lemon juice.
• Add ¼ cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Pro Tip: Adding pasta water helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly while balancing creaminess and texture.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce.

• Toss well to ensure every strand is coated.
• Simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce.

7. Serve

Slice the chicken into strips. You can either:

• Serve on top of the pasta, or
• Toss it through the pasta for an integrated dish.

Garnish with:

• Extra rosemary leaves
• Lemon zest
• Additional Parmesan, if desired

Presentation Tip: Bright garnishes like fresh rosemary and lemon zest not only enhance flavor but make your dish look visually stunning.

Tips & Variations

Protein Substitutions

• Turkey breast or chicken thighs can replace chicken breast.
• For a seafood twist, try shrimp or scallops, adjusting cook times accordingly.

Pasta Options

• Fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle work beautifully.
• For gluten-free, use rice or chickpea pasta.

Sauce Adjustments

• Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the sauce for more brightness.
• Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Herbs and Aromatics

• Fresh thyme or tarragon can substitute for rosemary.
• Add a pinch of red chili flakes for mild heat.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture:

• Chicken: Tender, lightly seared, juicy.
• Sauce: Silky, creamy, with a hint of citrus brightness and herbal aroma.
• Pasta: Soft yet firm, perfectly coated with the sauce.

Side Dishes That Work Best:

• Light green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli
• Garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the sauce

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pasta: Cook and store separately; reheat gently with sauce.
• Chicken: Can be cooked and sliced ahead; keep refrigerated up to 1 day.
• Sauce: Prepare sauce up to 2 hours ahead; reheat gently to avoid curdling.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shred the chicken and add it during the last 1–2 minutes of sauce simmering.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

3. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep heat low while adding cream and cheese, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling.

4. Can I prepare this for a larger group?
Yes, simply scale up pasta, cream, cheese, and chicken proportionally.

5. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of pasta water.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Ingredients	5 minutes
Cook Pasta	7–10 minutes
Prepare & Cook Chicken	5 minutes
Make Sauce	5 minutes
Combine & Finish	3 minutes
Total	~30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with freshly grated Parmesan and extra lemon zest for brightness.
• Pair with toasted bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs for presentation.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic & Spinach Twist: Add 1 cup fresh spinach to the sauce before tossing pasta.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Version: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy-sweet flavor.
3. Mushroom Lover’s Pasta: Sauté ½ cup mushrooms with garlic before adding cream.
4. Spicy Lemon Rosemary: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breast

• High in protein, versatile, and absorbs flavors well.
• Pound evenly for uniform cooking.
• Can be substituted with other lean proteins.

Fresh Rosemary

• Woody, aromatic herb that pairs beautifully with poultry and citrus.
• Chop finely to release flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Store in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel to preserve freshness.

Lemon

• Adds brightness and cuts through creaminess.
• Fresh juice and zest are preferred over bottled for maximum flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always reserve pasta water; it’s the secret to perfect sauce consistency.
• Add cheese gradually for smooth, creamy texture.
• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Simmer sauce gently—high heat can cause separation.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Sauce: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Chicken: Keep separately; reheat gently.
• Pasta: Best consumed fresh, but can be stored for 1 day. Avoid freezing cream-based pasta, as it may separate.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Dietary Notes	Nut-Free, High Protein, Gluten-Free Option Available with GF Pasta

Expanded Conclusion

This Creamy Lemon Rosemary Chicken Pasta is a perfect marriage of comfort and elegance. The tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and bright notes of lemon and rosemary make every bite indulgent yet balanced. It’s a dish that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.

From the first creamy forkful to the last sprinkle of Parmesan, you’ll notice how freshness, aroma, and richness come together in harmony. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining friends, this recipe guarantees a cozy, flavor-packed meal that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Treat yourself to this bright, creamy, herb-infused pasta, and you’ll find it’s the ultimate combination of comfort, flavor, and simplicity—a true culinary hug in a bowl.

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