If you’re craving a comforting meal that bursts with bright flavors and creamy goodness, the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This dish perfectly balances the zesty freshness of lemon and garlic with tender chicken bites and silky pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy yet comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special dinners at home. Once you try this, it will surely become a beloved staple that friends and family keep asking for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the bright punch of fresh lemon to the creamy richness of Parmesan and heavy cream, every element works harmoniously to elevate this dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the lemon garlic flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil and butter: Create a rich, flavorful base for cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Lemon juice and zest: Add refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Paprika: Offers subtle smokiness and a gentle kick to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to balance and enhance every flavor note.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note (optional but recommended).
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle): The perfect shape to hold onto creamy sauce and chicken pieces.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its silky, luscious texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty richness.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for your bowtie pasta. Follow the package instructions to cook it until al dente—firm but not hard. This texture allows the pasta to absorb the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter together until melted and shimmering. Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika for a gentle smoky undertone. Add them to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned on the outside and cooked through inside.
Step 3: Build Lemon Garlic Flavor
Next, stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet with the chicken. Cook everything for another 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma and the lemon flavors really start to shine. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—it’s time to work on that decadent sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Once it’s simmering, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return to your perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and add it directly into the creamy sauce, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Then, fold the lemon garlic chicken bites back into the skillet, mixing everything together so that every bite is a creamy, flavorful delight.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh parsley or basil. This final touch brightens the plate beautifully and adds a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and creamy. Don’t forget to offer a little extra Parmesan on the side for anyone who loves an extra cheesy kick.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are the go-to garnishes here, lending a pop of color and a fresh aroma that balances the richness. You can also add a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or an extra drizzle of olive oil to elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli adds a refreshing crunch and brightens the meal. For a heartier option, garlic bread or a chewy rustic loaf to soak up the sauce is always a welcome sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, consider serving the creamy bowtie pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh herb on top and a small lemon wedge on the side for guests who want an extra squeeze of lemon brightness. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes for an unexpected pop of texture and heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain the creamy texture.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh since the creamy sauce can separate when frozen. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately in individual containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers over low heat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to help restore the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Microwaving is possible but do it in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is traditional for its shape and texture, you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine if you prefer. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor without dairy.
How do I keep the chicken tender and juicy?
Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking. Cooking over medium heat and avoiding overcooking keeps the chicken tender. Adding butter and olive oil also helps seal in moisture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
You can prep the components ahead by cooking the chicken and pasta separately and making the sauce just before serving. Combine everything shortly before serving to keep the texture and flavors fresh.
What can I use instead of fresh parsley for garnish?
If fresh parsley isn’t available, fresh basil or chives make excellent subs. Dried herbs won’t provide the same fresh burst, but a light sprinkle can still work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the bright, velvety flavors in this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe. It’s a dish that manages to feel both indulgent and fresh, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up on a weeknight or serving it to guests, this recipe brings warmth to the table and smiles all around. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delightful Lemon Garlic Chicken paired with creamy bowtie pasta, blending bright citrus flavors with rich, cheesy sauce for a comforting yet refreshing meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Flavor to Chicken: Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the lemon garlic chicken pieces back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente for best texture that holds up in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, especially after adding Parmesan.
- For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a fresh pop of flavor as a garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
