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
Scale
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
