Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta - A weeknight pasta meal that comes together quickly with the use of rotisserie chicken.
Remember back in the winter you dreamed of quiet days in the sun by the pool? The calmness of not rushing your kids off to school? Reading a book at the beach? I had those same dreams. That's exactly what they were....dreams.Â
I'll tell you my summer is anything but that pipe dream I had when I was buried under 7 feet of snow. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the sunshine and I am having fun, but it is anything but peaceful and calm. We are rushing one to swim lessons, catching up on doctor appointments, dentist appointments and play dates. Oh, the play dates. We are actually spending a lot of time by the pool but what I forget in the winter is going out to the pool consists of this: Getting two kids dressed in bathing suits. Getting them sun blocked. Grabbing a few waters to bring down to stay hydrated. Carry all the towels. Get their swim vests on. Get them in the pool. Finally, I sit my butt down in a chair and turn on the Kindle and BAM, every time...."Mom, I guess I do have to go potty". I have to then fight with the other one to get out of the pool because I have to take the other back up to the house. AHHHH.Â
Cleary these two monkeys have zero issue w/ their relaxing!
Can anyone relate to this? Am I the only one whose relaxation is really anything but relaxing? It's days like these that I like to make a quick and easy dinner. Something that I recently have been taking advantage of are rotisserie chickens. They are lifesavers. I bought one this week and I used it for two easy meals. I made a salad for my friend,  Jenn and I yesterday and I used the rest for this this Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta. Plus, something I have realized is that buying a cooked rotisserie chicken is way cheaper than buying one of those little roasters raw. Doesn't seem to make sense but I'm on board. Plus you don't have to turn your oven on in this heat!
If you are not a meat eater just leave out the chicken. It would make a wonderful meatless meal!
 What is your family doing to relax this summer?
Printable Recipe Card
Creamy Lemon Basil Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 T butter
- 2 shallots sliced
- ÂĽ C lemon juice fresh
- ½ C chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ½ C heavy cream
- 2 C rotisserie chicken chopped
- â…› teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- 4 large basil leaves torn
- ÂĽ C grated parmesan cheese
- 12 oz pasta linguini or similar
- Salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season water generously with salt and add pasta. Cook according to package instructions. Drain but reserve 1 C cooking water.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add shallots. Cook just until beginning to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and broth to shallots. Cook 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce a bit. Stir in heavy cream, black pepper and chicken. Cook over medium low heat 5 minutes until chicken is warm and sauce has thickened a bit.
- Add drained pasta and toss well. If sauce seems too thick, stir in small amounts of reserved cooking water until desired consistency is achieved. Remove from heat and stir in basil and parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired.
Annabel @ simplycalledfood says
This is such a great summery idea. It is great for a light supper! I love the combination of lemon and pasta!!! Thanks for sharing!
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
Rotisserie chicken can be soooo time saving. Love this combo. It would be super tasty over rice or quinoa too. Delish and beautiful as well. YUM!
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says
I love how rotisserie chicken makes life so much easier when needed. Your pasta looks phenomenal!
nancy@skinnykitchen.com says
This looks sensational, Christine!
Christine says
Oh! I have all these ingredient so I think we may have this for dinner tonight! The kids have been asking for lemon chicken and this is much easier to make!
The Food Hunter says
I'm not sure I know what relax even means 🙂
this pasta sounds delicious!
foodyschmoody says
While I am sorry to hear that I'm secretly glad I'm not the only one 🙂
Lora @ craftivitydesigns says
We head to our local water park for a few hours when we need to relax 🙂 This looks delicious and I love anything with basil!
Sandra - The Foodie Affair says
Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is key for quick meals! I get them at Costco for 6 bucks! Can't beat that price and the convenience. What a great looking recipe. Trying this 🙂
Carlee says
Summer is always WAY too busy! (But I agree, definitely better than being buried under snow!) This looks delicious.
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says
What a lovely pasta dish...your photos of it are amazing 🙂 Your kids look like they are having a blast.
foodyschmoody says
Aw, thanks so much Sandi!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
You pretty much just summed up my own feelings, I was excited for summer but it's not so lazy more like crazy. Oh great recipe by the way. Love it.
Joanne T Ferguson says
Love the ease and simplicity Christine! Pinned and shared!
foodyschmoody says
Much appreciated, Joanne!
Healing Tomato says
You make amazing and hearty pastas. This looks so delicious
foodyschmoody says
Thanks!
Debra @ Bowl Me Over says
Hahaha! Looks like those little ones have you going six ways from Sunday! You definitely need the fuel of that fabulous pasta. Your recipe looks delicious!!!
April J Harris says
What a lovely, summery dish! Your Lemon Basil Pasta sounds delicious! And I agree, it would be lovely with or without the chicken 🙂
Mary says
MARY
I made this a couple of days ago and now my husband and I are definitely hooked on this recipe. The only thing I did differently is I used small salad shrimp that come frozen and are already cooked. UNBELIEVEBLY good and super easy! The shrimp are a great fit with this recipe and one of these times I'm going to use fresh shrimp. Made it again for tonight and sent the recipe to a friend so Christine THANK YOU for putting this on your blog. DY-NO-MITE!!!!
foodyschmoody says
Shrimp is a GREAT idea! I wish my husband would eat shrimp so I could make that too. So glad you tried out the recipe and love that you put your own twist on it and I ESPECIALLY LOVE that you took the time to come and tell me about your experience. Thank YOU!
Mary says
Thank YOU for a great site. I sent my friend the recipe and she said she just HAS to try it so your blog is a wonderful thing! Thanks again and I'm glad I stumbled upon it. Hope you have a great weekend!