If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances brightness and indulgence, the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful meal marries tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and savory garlic alongside silky, creamy farfalle pasta. Each bite boasts layers of flavor, from the tangy citrus notes to the rich Parmesan cream sauce, creating a comforting yet fresh dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or surprising friends, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients create the foundation of this recipe, and each one plays a vital role in bringing out the delicious flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant colors of the dish.
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized chunks for quick cooking and even flavor distribution.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown and adding richness.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced finely to infuse the sauce with its aromatic, savory goodness.
- 1 whole Lemon: Juice and zest both add a fresh, bright tang that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The creamy base that envelops the pasta and chicken, making everything velvety smooth.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated to add a salty, nutty depth and help thicken the sauce.
- 12 ounces Farfalle Pasta: The charming bowtie shape holds sauce beautifully; feel free to swap in whole wheat or spinach pasta for a twist.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a burst of fresh green color and mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by drying your chicken breasts with paper towels—this helps achieve a beautiful sear. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of lemon zest. This early flavor boost ensures the chicken is bursting with seasoning before it ever hits the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken chunks in a single layer to ensure even browning. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until each piece is golden and cooked through. Removing the chicken and keeping it warm sets the stage for building your sauce without overcooking the meat.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and boil until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes depending on your package instructions. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water—it will be your secret weapon for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium in your skillet and add the minced garlic. Sauté for just about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. This quick step releases the garlic’s deep flavor that will blend perfectly with the creamy lemon sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest right into the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to let the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly, turning it rich and velvety.
Step 6: Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese
Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. This step transforms the sauce, adding a luscious texture and that signature cheesy tang that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return your cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, gently tossing everything together so the sauce coats every piece perfectly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your desired creaminess.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your masterpiece by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. This not only adds a lovely pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that brightens the entire dish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet essential garnish that brightens the plate. For an extra zing, consider adding a few lemon slices or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add visual contrast and a mild kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a simple mixed green salad or steamed asparagus. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or cherry tomatoes also complement the creamy pasta perfectly, adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style presentation, serve the dish directly in the skillet you cooked it in—this keeps things warm and adds a rustic charm. Alternatively, plating individual servings in shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side gives a restaurant-quality feel to your homemade meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The creamy sauce might thicken when cold, but a little reheating with added pasta water or cream will bring back its smooth texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately from the sauce for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
Reheating
Warm the leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s luscious consistency. Microwaving is possible but be sure to cover and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While farfalle works beautifully due to its shape which holds sauce well, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat or spinach pasta for a healthy twist without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese to keep that creamy texture and rich taste while accommodating dairy restrictions.
How long can I store leftovers safely?
Leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it tightly sealed to preserve the freshness and prevent the pasta from drying out.
What wine pairs well with Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the zesty lemon and creamy sauce wonderfully, enhancing each bite without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
You can season the chicken and chop the garlic and parsley ahead of time. Also, cooking the pasta shortly before serving and making the sauce last helps keep everything fresh and at optimal flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want a vibrant yet comforting meal that feels like a special treat any night of the week, the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe is your perfect go-to. It’s approachable, packed with fresh flavors, and absolutely scrumptious—truly a crowd-pleaser that invites everyone back for seconds. Give it a try and watch it become one of your kitchen favorites, just like it did for me.
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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender, seared chicken chunks with al dente farfalle pasta coated in a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe balances bright citrus flavors with rich creaminess, providing a satisfying and elegant meal in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing the chicken
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 whole lemon, juice and zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Pasta
- 12 ounces farfalle pasta (can substitute with whole wheat or spinach pasta)
- Salted water for boiling
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of lemon zest. Set aside while you heat the skillet to allow the flavors to meld into the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear for 5-6 minutes, turning as necessary, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Set the reserved water aside for later use.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld and for the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually whisk the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until it is smooth and has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked farfalle and the seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh finish and serve hot, enjoying the creamy, zesty flavors.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or spinach pasta as a nutritious alternative to regular farfalle.
- For extra zest, add a bit more lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice right before serving.
- Reserve pasta water contains starch that helps adjust sauce consistency and improve coating.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
