If you have been searching the internet for the best chicken pasta recipe, then this Red Lobster Chicken Pasta recipe is the one you need.
This dish is highly versatile, smooth, and creamy, and it is one of my tested recipes that can light up anybody’s day.Â
So, what is it about Red Lobster Chicken Pasta that makes it so good? Red Lobster is known for its affordability and quality, and that is what this dish is. It is creamy and flavourful, with tender chicken pieces that never fail to hit the spot.
I say this because I have tried many pasta recipes in the past, but this creamy Red Lobster Chicken Pasta is the one that I gravitate towards the most.
Whenever I am looking for dinner on a budget that screams comfort, this recipe is my savior.Â
Equipment Required
- Skillet: I am using a skillet to cook the entire dish together.
- Stockpot: I prefer using a stockpot to boil my pasta.
- Colander: Pasta and colander go hand in hand because you need a colander to drain excess water.
- Spatula: Stirring is a must when cooking the chicken and pasta, so I am using a spatula.
Red Lobster Chicken Pasta Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients in this recipe can serve up to 2 people.
- ½ Pound Boneless Chicken
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream: If you don’t find heavy cream, go for half and half or this recipe.
- 1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste: I am using canned tomato paste from stores to save time, but you can also make this at home.
- ½ Tablespoon Basil: To add a hint of freshness without any basil, you can add parsley or mint instead.
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic
- ½ Cup Linguine: If you can’t find linguine, you can also spaghetti for this recipe.
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
Preparation & Cooking time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 15 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
How To Make Red Lobster Chicken Pasta At Home
Step 1
Start by mixing the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Toss and turn the chicken well in the seasoning, then set it aside.
Step 2
It’s time to boil the pasta. Boil some water in a stockpot, and add your pasta. Let it cook until al Dante, for 5-7 minutes
Step 3
Meanwhile, saute the chicken in the pan with some butter until tender.
Step 4
After the chicken is cooked and slightly browned, keep it aside.
Step 5
Add tomato paste, heavy cream, basil, garlic, salt, and garlic pepper to the same pan to make the cream sauce.
Step 6
Bring this to a boil and let the sauce thicken. Once the sauce is thick enough, add your boiled pasta to it. Mix everything until the sauce coats the pasta well.
Step 7
Once done, serve it with some grated parmesan cheese on top.
Red Lobster Chicken Pasta Recipe Video
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- To reduce the cooking time and ensure that the chicken is evenly cooked, I flatten it out by pounding it. (Also, it’s a great way to get rid of frustration, right?)
- When I boil the pasta, I like to add some salt to the water. Pasta has no distinct taste, so a little salt helps accentuate the flavor.
- Of course, I like to keep my pasta al dente with pasta recipes since we will be cooking it further in the pan along with the sauce.
- Rubbing and massaging the chicken breast with the spices is a must so that the flavors are seasoned and flavorful.
- Do not rush the process, and avoid bringing your creamy sauce to a boil, as this will ruin the cream’s consistency. Let it simmer slowly and low on the skillet.
- A very basic tip that should not be underestimated is using room-temperature products. If your cheese or heavy cream is too cold, this might later impact the final results.
- Some of my friends are not big fans of cheese because they find it too thick. Although cheese is one of the main highlights of this dish, you can also add sour cream instead of parmesan cheese.
- The thick, saucy factor is crucial when making homemade Red Lobster Chicken Pasta. But remember that the sauce dries up quickly, so toss your pasta only for a minute or two and then serve it.
- I always reserve a cup of pasta water after the pasta has boiled. This water is full of flavors, which can be added later to the sauce if it sticks to the pan.
- I always rinse the pasta with cold water after it has been boiled. This prevents it from cooking further and becoming mushy.
FAQs On Red Lobster Chicken Pasta
Nutrition Information Per Serving
I wish I could enjoy this Red Lobster Chicken Pasta every day, but I cannot since it is not a healthy option. This dish is high in calories and sodium, which is why it should be enjoyed in moderation.
| Calories | 1396 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 108 g |
| Protein | 73 g |
| Fat | 76 g |
| Saturated Fat | 44 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 19 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 343 mg |
| Sodium | 3148 mg |
| Potassium | 1827 mg |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 11 mg |
| Vitamin A | 6578 IU |
| Vitamin C | 13 mg |
| Calcium | 252 mg |
| Iron | 6 mg |
One good thing is that people following nut and soy-free diets can enjoy this dish without any restrictions.
On the other hand, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, and keto diet followers can also have this pasta, but they will have to modify the ingredients.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Keto Diet: When I want to cut my carbs, I make this in keto style. I use low-carb pasta or keto-approved pasta and avocado oil.
- Gluten-Free Diet: The pasta is the only ingredient that does not make this dish gluten-free, so make sure you use gluten-free pasta while making it.
- Dairy-Free Diet: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or oat milk, and use vegan cheese to enjoy a dairy-free Red Lobster chicken pasta.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Countertop: Since Red Lobster Chicken Pasta has cheese and meat in it, I do not like to keep it on the countertop for more than an hour. Beyond this, the cheese may get stringy, and there are high chances of the meat getting contaminated, so it’s best to rely on the fridge for further storage.
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers from this Red Lobster Chicken Pasta and want to enjoy it as lunch the next day, consider refrigerating it. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight bag to prevent moisture from creeping in, and the dish will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
Reheating
- Oven: I like to use my oven to reheat my Red Lobster Chicken Pasta as a dish. I transfer the leftovers to an oven-friendly dish to reheat and heat them at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.
- Microwave: To quickly reheat your chicken pasta, add the leftovers to a microwave-friendly dish and heat them for 20-30 seconds. If you want to warm them up more, follow this with a 10-second increment.
- Skillet: Heat some butter on a pan and add the leftover Red Lobster Chicken Pasta. Add a few drops of water so that the sauce does not stick and burn from the bottom. Give it a nice twist, twirl, and heat it well until it is heated evenly.
What To Serve With This Recipe
I do not need any other side dishes when I have my Red Lobster Chicken Pasta with me. But some iconic pairings, like chicken pasta with Garlic Bread, taste divine. If you are looking for other options, you can have this with grilled Caesar Salad or Grape Salad.
To keep it light, serve this with roasted Green Beans, baked eggplant, or Bruschetta. For a balanced meal, I also enjoy it with Brussels Sprouts, bell peppers, and onion.Â
Printable Version
Red Lobster Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ Pound Boneless Chicken
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- ½ Tablespoon Basil
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic
- ½ Cup Linguine
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pan
- Spatula
Instructions
- Start by mixing the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Toss and turn the chicken well in the seasoning, then set it aside.
- It’s time to boil the pasta. Drop the pasta in the boiling water and cook until al Dante.
- Meanwhile, saute the chicken in the pan with some butter until it is tender.
- After the chicken is cooked and slightly browned, keep it aside.
- Add tomato paste, heavy cream, basil, garlic, salt, and garlic pepper in the same pan.
- Bring this to a boil, then add your boiled pasta. Combine them all for at least 2 minutes.
- Once done, serve it with some parmesan cheese on top.
Video
Notes
- To reduce the cooking time and ensure that the chicken is evenly cooked, I flatten it out by pounding it. (Also, it’s a great way to get rid of frustration, right?)
- When I boil the pasta, I like to add some salt to the water. Pasta has no distinct taste, so a little salt helps accentuate the flavor.
- Of course, I like to keep my pasta al dente with pasta recipes since we will be cooking it further in the pan along with the sauce.
- Rubbing and massaging the chicken breast with the spices is a must so that the flavors are seasoned and flavorful.
- Do not rush the process, and avoid bringing your creamy sauce to a boil, as this will ruin the cream’s consistency. Let it simmer slowly and low on the skillet.
- A very basic tip that should not be underestimated is using room-temperature products. If your cheese or heavy cream is too cold, this might later impact the final results.Â
- Some of my friends are not big fans of cheese because they find it too thick. Although cheese is one of the main highlights of this dish, you can also add sour cream instead of parmesan cheese.
- The thick, saucy factor is crucial when making homemade Red Lobster Chicken Pasta. But remember that the sauce dries up quickly, so toss your pasta only for a minute or two and then serve it.Â
- I always reserve a cup of pasta water after the pasta has boiled. This water is full of flavors, which can be added later to the sauce if it sticks to the pan.
- I always rinse the pasta with cold water after it has been boiled. This prevents it from cooking further and becoming mushy.Â
Nutrition
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Conclusion
This Red Lobster Chicken Pasta is one of my dependable recipes. It is comfort personified. If you are like me and enjoy creamy pasta, then this is right up your alley.
Since this dish has a thick sauce, chicken, and cheese, it is quite filling and does not call for side dishes.
If you were looking for classic pasta dishes, I hope you got some inspiration from this and would make it right away. Don’t forget to share with me in the comments how it turned out for you.
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