Name: Spaghetti with Cheesy Tomato Garlic Sauce and Lemon Chicken – A Bright and Comforting Pasta Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Description

A comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender lemon-seasoned chicken served over spaghetti tossed in a rich, cheesy tomato garlic sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove and let rest, then slice.
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add tomato sauce, heavy cream, remaining salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with lemon zest and lemon juice.
Serve spaghetti topped with lemon chicken and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American