If you are craving a vibrant, comforting meal that bursts with flavor, this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces infused with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, all tossed in a luscious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to al dente bowtie pasta. It’s a beautiful harmony of tangy brightness and rich indulgence, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes down to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in building the vibrant layers of flavor, creamy texture, and inviting color that make this recipe so unforgettable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a light richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Butter: Brings silky smoothness to both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for bold, aromatic flavor that brightens the whole dish.
- Lemon juice and zest: The stars of the show, delivering bright, refreshing citrus notes.
- Paprika: A hint of warm, smoky depth that enhances the chicken’s seasoning.
- Salt and pepper: Fundamental seasonings to balance and amplify every flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness as garnish.
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle): Perfectly shaped to hold creamy sauce and deliver great texture.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for nutty, salty richness that melts into the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it should be tender yet still have a slight bite, so it holds up wonderfully in the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside—this will be combined with the sauce shortly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika—this simple seasoning creates a flavorful crust. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. This step seals in juicy goodness.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Lemon
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the chicken with a bright, zesty aroma that makes this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe so special. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside while you make the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir everything gently and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. This forms the rich base of your sauce. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into the cream creating a silky, smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the balance to your preference.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the creamy sauce, carefully tossing it to ensure every piece is luxuriously coated. Then, return the lemon garlic chicken bites to the skillet and mix everything together. This is where all the flavors come together in perfect harmony, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both creamy and zesty—the heart of the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once everything is combined and heated through, your dish is ready to be served. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if you like, for that fresh, herbaceous pop. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for anyone who loves a cheesier finish.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are perfect for adding a burst of color and freshness on top. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan just before serving can elevate the creaminess and add a little salty tang. If you want to get fancy, a thin lemon wedge on the side invites an extra zing for lemon lovers.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans. These lighter sides balance out the richness and add freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the creamy pasta in a large beautiful bowl piled high and topped with chicken and herbs. For a more intimate setting, place individual portions in shallow pasta bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a few lemon zest twists on top to showcase the vibrant flavors and make the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The dish keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen slightly after resting, making for an easy next-day meal that retains its deliciousness.
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes are best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gradually on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating, preserving that creamy texture that makes the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or fettuccine would work wonderfully as well. The key is to choose something that can catch the sauce in its curves or ridges.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative for the cheese. Using olive oil instead of butter keeps the sauce creamy while avoiding dairy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken bites should be cooked until no longer pink in the center and have a slight golden crust outside, which takes about 4-5 minutes on medium heat. Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should register 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and chicken separately a day ahead and store them refrigerated. When ready to eat, warm the sauce and combine everything for a quick finish. This makes last-minute assembly a breeze.
What can I add to make the dish more flavorful?
Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or baby spinach for extra texture and taste. Freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a delightful kick if you prefer a touch of heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of zesty freshness and creamy comfort that makes it become an instant favorite in any home kitchen. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dinner that brings everyone to the table happily asking for seconds!
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces infused with zesty lemon and garlic. Cooked to perfection in a creamy Parmesan sauce, this comforting pasta meal delivers richness balanced by fresh herbs, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add Chicken: Return the lemon garlic chicken bites to the skillet, mixing them into the pasta.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time; reheat gently on stovetop to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels if desired.
