Block of Cream Cheese Lemon Chicken Pasta is a rich yet refreshing pasta dish that has quickly become a favorite for its effortless preparation and bold flavour. Using a whole block of cream cheese baked or melted into the sauce creates a luxuriously creamy texture, while fresh lemon adds a bright, zesty contrast that keeps the dish light and balanced.
Cream Cheese Lemon Chicken:
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this recipe brings together tender chicken, silky pasta, and a tangy lemon-cream sauce in one comforting bowl. It’s a modern, social-media-inspired meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.
History:
This dish evolved from the viral “block of cream cheese” and “baked cream cheese pasta” trends that gained popularity online. Home cooks began experimenting with whole blocks of cream cheese as a shortcut to ultra-creamy sauces, adding citrus, herbs, and proteins like chicken. The lemon chicken variation stands out for its fresh flavour and elegant simplicity, making it a staple in contemporary comfort cooking.
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Block of Cream Cheese Lemon Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 block (200 g) cream cheese
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced or diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add the block of cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water.
- Stir gently over low heat until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
- Full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest result.
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended over bottled.
- Pasta water helps emulsify the sauce smoothly.
- Use low heat to avoid splitting the sauce.
- Best served immediately for ideal texture.
Tips for Cheese Lemon Chicken:
- Add spinach or asparagus for extra freshness.
- Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.
- Use whole-wheat pasta for a heartier option.
- Add a splash of cream for extra richness.
- Finish with extra lemon zest for more zing.
FAQs for Cheese Lemon Chicken:
Q1: Can I bake this recipe instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes, you can bake the cream cheese, chicken, and lemon, then mix with pasta.
Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently with a little milk or water.
Q3: Is this pasta very sour?
No, the cream cheese balances the lemon for a mild, pleasant tang.
Q4: Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Plain works best, but herb-flavored cream cheese is a tasty variation.
Q5: What pasta shape is best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well.
Conclusion:
Block of Cream Cheese Lemon Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy comfort and fresh citrus flavor. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that fits effortlessly into any meal plan. Whether you’re following a viral trend or just craving something comforting, this pasta delivers every time.