Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is the perfect balance between freshness and comfort. The citrusy brightness of lemon cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce, while garlic adds depth and warmth without overpowering the dish. This recipe feels elegant enough for a special dinner yet simple enough for a relaxed weeknight meal. What I enjoy most is how the flavors come together effortlessly; the sauce coats the bowtie pasta beautifully, and every bite includes tender chicken with a hint of lemon. When I first tested this recipe, I tried it with a slightly lighter cream base, and it still delivered a luxurious texture without feeling heavy. It is a dependable dish that pleases a wide range of tastes, making it ideal for family meals or casual entertaining. The combination of familiar ingredients and balanced flavors ensures this recipe quickly becomes a repeat favorite.
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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta – A Bright and Comforting Dinner Classic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bright and comforting dish featuring tender lemon-garlic chicken served over creamy bowtie pasta with a rich, velvety sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.
- Add spinach or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Sauce thickens as it cools.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast serves as the protein base, offering a lean and tender texture that absorbs the lemon and garlic flavors well.
Bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce in its folds, ensuring even distribution of flavor.
Garlic provides a robust aromatic foundation that defines the savory character of the dish.
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cream sauce.
Lemon zest intensifies citrus flavor without adding excess acidity.
Olive oil is used to sear the chicken and start building flavor in the pan.
Butter contributes richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.
Heavy cream forms the body of the sauce, giving it a velvety texture.
Chicken broth lightens the sauce slightly while adding savory depth.
Parmesan cheese enhances the sauce with salty, nutty notes.
Italian seasoning adds subtle herbal complexity without dominating the dish.
Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and balance.
Fresh parsley provides a clean, fresh finish and visual contrast.
Directions
Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce slightly, then add heavy cream and simmer gently until thickened.
Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Finish with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
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Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
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Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.
Variations and Customizations
You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result or use shrimp for a seafood variation. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half. Adding spinach or peas introduces color and extra nutrients. I have also tried this recipe with whole wheat pasta, which adds a subtle nutty flavor while holding the sauce well.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Using lean chicken and moderating portion sizes keeps it suitable for balanced diets. It is not dairy-free but can be adapted with dairy alternatives.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Balance the Lemon
Add lemon gradually to avoid overpowering the sauce.
Do Not Overcook the Chicken
Remove it as soon as it is done to maintain tenderness.
Use Pasta Water Wisely
It helps bind the sauce and pasta smoothly.
Finish with Fresh Herbs
They brighten the dish just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for best flavor.
What pasta shapes work besides bowties?
Penne or rotini are good alternatives.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
Is this dish very rich?
It is creamy but balanced by lemon acidity.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta.
What vegetables pair well with this?
Spinach, asparagus, or broccoli work well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not ideal due to the cream sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Simmer gently and avoid high heat after adding cream.
Can I add cheese inside the sauce?
Yes, Parmesan melts well into the sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and approachable.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a comforting yet vibrant dish that delivers flavor without complexity. Its balance of richness and freshness makes it a reliable choice for both everyday meals and special occasions, earning it a permanent place in any home cooking rotation.
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