If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe beautifully marries juicy, tender chicken with a luxuriously creamy sauce brightened by fresh lemon and garlic, all tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and fresh, easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve for guests. The balance between tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and cheesy creaminess makes every bite utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create vibrant flavors and a delightful texture in this dish. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the protein-packed chicken, the rich creaminess of the sauce, or the zingy brightness of lemon that cuts through for perfect harmony.
- Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized chunks for quick cooking and easy bites.
- Olive Oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a golden, flavorful crust.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic lends a fragrant aromatic base to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds bright citrus notes that lift the entire dish.
- Heavy Cream: The creamy foundation of the luscious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for melting smoothly and adding rich umami depth.
- Farfalle Pasta: Bowtie-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully; whole wheat or spinach varieties work great too.
- Salt: To season perfectly and enhance overall flavors.
- Black Pepper: Provides a gentle kick to balance out the creaminess.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped to sprinkle on top for a lovely burst of green and fresh herbal aroma.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial because dry chicken sears better and develops that irresistible golden-brown crust. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of lemon zest, which adds a subtle brightness right from the start. Let the chicken sit while you heat up your skillet, allowing those seasonings to infuse the meat.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer—avoid overcrowding to ensure every piece gets nicely browned. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning as needed, until each bite-sized chunk has a beautiful golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm; this technique locks in juiciness and flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Saving half a cup of the pasta water before draining is a game-changer—it helps adjust the creamy sauce’s consistency later and makes everything silky smooth.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet used for the chicken, which still holds wonderful leftover flavor. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about one minute until it becomes fragrant. Garlic cooks quickly—keep an eye to prevent burning, as burnt garlic turns bitter and can overpower the dish.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Let the sauce simmer gently for around 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cream to thicken slightly. This simmering step is what transforms the ingredients into that signature creamy, tangy coating that makes the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe so comforting.
Step 6: Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese
Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. As the cheese melts, the sauce will thicken and become luxuriously smooth. This is where the dish gains its rich, savory depth that perfectly complements the zingy lemon.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the seared chicken and cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the luscious creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your preferred consistency. This simple trick ensures each pasta bowtie remains perfectly coated without feeling heavy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a vibrant pop of color and freshness. Serving immediately guarantees the pasta stays creamy while the chicken remains tender and flavorful. This step is the finishing touch that turns this homemade meal into something special.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley not only brighten the dish visually but also contribute a subtle herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a few twists of freshly ground black pepper are lovely finishing touches you can add before serving.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe pairs exceptionally well with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also add a fresh, healthy contrast to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve portions in shallow bowls and garnish with lemon slices arranged artfully on the side. Adding edible flowers or finely chopped chives on top can elevate the look even more. Alternatively, try plating the pasta as a bed with the chicken arranged on top to highlight the golden, seared edges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping the dish chilled promptly will preserve its flavor and texture, especially the creamy sauce consistency.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Cool the meal completely before transferring into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to warm the chicken and pasta evenly without drying out or curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of bowtie?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine work well as alternatives. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the shape and thickness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavors will shift slightly but will still yield a creamy, satisfying dish.
How can I make the chicken more tender?
Marinating the chicken briefly in lemon juice and olive oil for 15-20 minutes before cooking can help tenderize the meat and infuse even more flavor.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook the pasta ahead and store it separately to avoid sogginess. The sauce and chicken are best made fresh to keep their texture and flavor vibrant.
What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy lemon garlic sauce beautifully, enhancing the freshness and richness simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a dish that blends creamy comfort with bright, lively flavors, and the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe does exactly that. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a dinner party, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you’re just a few simple steps away from a delicious meal that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds!
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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
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender seared chicken bites with a rich, creamy lemon-garlic sauce tossed with al dente farfalle pasta. The fresh lemon zest and juice add a bright and zestful flavor, balanced by the savory Parmesan cheese and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and serves four generously.
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 (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For searing the chicken)
Sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 whole Lemon (Juice and zest)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Base of the sauce)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated)
Pasta & Garnish
- 12 ounces Farfalle Pasta (Can substitute with whole wheat or spinach pasta)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of lemon zest. Set aside while you heat the skillet.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sear for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, followed by fresh lemon juice and zest. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickens to desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add cooked farfalle and seared chicken back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing as it will affect the sauce flavor.
- Substitute farfalle pasta with whole wheat or spinach pasta for added nutrition.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.
