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
Scale
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.
