Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, juicy chicken in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with a refreshing lemon twist. Paired with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, this easy meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The balance of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors makes this dish a guaranteed hit with the whole family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Creamy Flavor – The combination of garlic, lemon, and a creamy sauce creates the perfect balance.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish is rich, indulgent, and full of flavor.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will love.
- Customizable – Add vegetables or adjust the sauce to your liking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Lemon zest
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken – Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let it rest.
- Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon zest, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Pasta – Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then toss in the cooked bowtie pasta, coating it well in the sauce.
- Slice and Serve – Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy! – Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added texture.
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well in this recipe.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. You can mix milk with a little cornstarch to help thicken it.
What’s the best way to get juicy chicken?
Don’t overcook it! Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and chicken in advance, then reheat and toss with pasta when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for a bright, fresh flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great side dishes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I add more protein?
You can add crispy bacon bits or mix in cooked shrimp for extra protein.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together bright citrus flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner at home!
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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, garlicky lemon cream sauce. Paired with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and Parmesan cheese, this easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken – Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let rest.
- Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon zest, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Pasta – Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then toss in the cooked bowtie pasta, coating it well in the sauce.
- Slice and Serve – Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy! – Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Lighter Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Veggies – Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added texture.
- Protein Swap – Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing – Not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.
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