Tangy Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Culinary magic happens when you combine lemon garlic chicken with creamy bowtie pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Bright citrus notes perfectly complement rich, velvety sauce, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Fresh ingredients bring this dish to life with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among delicate pasta shapes, promising a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Home cooks will appreciate how simple techniques can produce such impressive results.

Weeknight dinners just became far more exciting with this delightful recipe that brings restaurant-quality goodness right to your kitchen.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible combination of zesty and creamy perfection.

Why Lemon Garlic Bowtie Pasta Is So Tasty

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Layers of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan create a rich, tantalizing taste profile that elevates a simple chicken pasta dish.
• Conquer Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare this restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked dinners.
• Master One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup by using the same skillet for chicken, sauce, and combining ingredients, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, or swap chicken for shrimp to suit different preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Chicken Bowtie Pasta Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that provides a hearty base for this delicious dish.

• Bowtie Pasta: A fun and playful pasta shape that catches the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious texture for the pasta sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps deglaze the pan.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish to the creamy sauce.

• Garlic: Brings a bold and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness of the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and creating a flavorful base.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note to the final dish.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Get a skillet nice and hot with olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature.

The chicken should be perfectly cooked and juicy. Set aside and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop in the bowtie pasta and cook until it’s perfectly al dente.

Before draining, scoop out some pasta water – you’ll need this liquid gold later.

Step 3: Create the Magical Sauce

In the same skillet, quickly toast minced garlic until it becomes fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth to capture all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. Splash in heavy cream, bright lemon juice, and zesty lemon zest.

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

Introduce Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the sauce.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy dream. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Tumble the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating every single noodle with the luxurious mixture. Add more pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold the chicken into the pasta, ensuring everything is beautifully mixed.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Scatter fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while everything is hot and inviting.

Cooking Tips for Creamy Bowtie Pasta Dish

• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F/75C for safe, juicy results.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and enhance flavor absorption.
• Reserve pasta water strategically – this starchy liquid helps create a smoother, silkier sauce with better consistency.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Fresh lemon zest and juice are key to brightening the entire dish, so avoid bottled alternatives for maximum flavor impact.

Delicious Variations for This Pasta Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower rice as a base for the creamy sauce and protein.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintain the creamy lemon garlic sauce.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Bowtie Pasta

• Perfectly Pair Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemon's brightness and cut through the creamy pasta sauce, enhancing the dish's delicate flavors.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which mirrors the chicken's citrus notes and provides a crisp, peppery contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Elevate with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or Mediterranean-style zucchini, adding a caramelized vegetable element that harmonizes with the chicken's savory profile and adds nutritional balance.

How to Store Lemon Chicken Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and pasta remain sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled chicken and pasta to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal completely, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other shapes like penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It has a mild, tangy flavor from lemon and garlic. You can add red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, or whole wheat pasta. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese option.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance. Cook chicken and pasta separately, store in refrigerator, and reheat with sauce when ready to serve.

Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon garlic chicken with creamy bowtie pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables. Rich herbed sauce and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids and Zest:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by seasoning thoroughly with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, cooking chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165F/75C.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, loosely cover with aluminum foil to retain warmth and moisture.
4. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add bowtie pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente.
5. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining, then set pasta aside.
6. Using the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors.
7. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
8. Pour in heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and zest, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors.
9. Incorporate Italian seasoning, additional salt, and pepper into the sauce.
10. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce reaches desired consistency.
11. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
12. Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water as needed.
13. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and carefully fold into pasta.
14. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a vibrant finishing touch.
15. Serve immediately while the pasta and chicken are warm and sauce is creamy.

Notes

• Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Keep reserved pasta water as a secret weapon to control sauce consistency and help sauce cling perfectly to pasta.
• Swap regular bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg