This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a refreshing, comforting dish that combines the zesty flavors of lemon and garlic with tender chicken and creamy pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this meal is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of creamy richness and bright citrus flavor.
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients and steps.
- Customizable—add vegetables or switch up the protein.
- Ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.
- Combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious, cheesy pasta sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until heated through.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Slice the chicken and place it over the pasta.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~450 per serving
Variations
- Add Veggies: Include spinach, asparagus, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- Swap Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different twist.
- Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta works well with this dish.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat low when stirring the cream and Parmesan cheese into the skillet.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Prepare the components (chicken and sauce) separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh.
4. What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.
6. How can I make the dish more lemony?
Add more lemon zest or squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce for extra brightness.
7. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used, but the sauce will be less rich.
8. Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as alternatives.
9. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking?
Yes, grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.
10. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is an easy, elegant dish that combines zesty, savory, and creamy flavors in every bite. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm, garnish with parsley, and enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal!
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Brighten your dinner table with Lemon Garlic Chicken and Creamy Bowtie Pasta—a zesty, comforting dish with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
- Rub chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream, stirring until heated. Mix in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine:
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until coated. Slice the chicken and arrange it over the pasta.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the butter.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: ~450 per serving
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