Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this lemon garlic chicken with creamy bowtie pasta delivers flavor in every bite.

Bold Mediterranean notes dance through tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked pasta.

Bright citrus and robust garlic create a symphony of taste that transforms a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Aromatic herbs complement the rich, creamy sauce that clings delicately to each bowtie noodle.

The chicken emerges juicy and infused with zesty seasonings that make mouths water.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can have this elegant dish on the table in under an hour.

Dive into a plate that promises comfort, excitement, and pure culinary satisfaction.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Creamy Bowtie Pasta With Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for tender, juicy results; organic or free-range options provide richer flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated block cheese to ensure maximum melting and deeper umami notes.

• Bowtie Pasta, Parsley: Choose high-quality pasta with firm texture; fresh parsley adds bright, verdant freshness to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Butter, Garlic, Lemon: Select full-fat cream for luxurious texture; use fresh garlic for intense aroma; choose bright, firm lemons with smooth skin for best zest and juice.
• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Use extra virgin olive oil for robust flavor; select freshly ground black pepper and high-quality spices for enhanced seasoning.

Tools That Make Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta Easier

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook bowtie pasta evenly.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce in the same pan.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping parsley and slicing chicken.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for mincing garlic, zesting lemon, and chopping parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and salt.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta.
• Colander: Used to drain pasta after cooking.
• Grater: Helpful for zesting lemon.
• Instant-read thermometer: Optional but recommended to check chicken's internal temperature.

Step Into Cooking Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a pinch of salt. Cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, letting it rest while preparing other components.

• Chicken Flavor Profile

Season chicken with aromatic spices. Sear in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through. Splash fresh lemon juice over the meat for brightness. Remove and let it sit.

• Silky Sauce Creation

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in cream, creating a luxurious base. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, stirring until the sauce transforms into a velvety consistency.

• Pasta and Sauce Symphony

Gently fold pasta into the creamy sauce. Mix thoroughly, ensuring each pasta piece gets coated. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

• Plating and Presentation

Arrange sliced chicken atop the creamy pasta. Add a final garnish of parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for an optional citrusy squeeze.

Flavor Fixes For Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Chicken Perfection Technique: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a delightful twist that works with various dietary preferences and keeps the meal exciting.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute regular bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivity.
• Lighter Cream Hack: Cut calories by replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, or a blend of chicken broth and half-and-half while maintaining a rich, creamy texture.

How To Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta Smoothly

• Gourmet Dinner Date Night: Create a romantic atmosphere with candlelight and soft music, making this dish feel like a special restaurant experience at home.
• Fresh Mediterranean Twist: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, feta, and kalamata olives to complement the lemon garlic flavors.
• Weekend Family Feast: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a complete, nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the citrusy notes and creamy texture of the chicken and pasta.

Plan Ahead For Leftovers Of Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the chicken and pasta for quick weeknight meals throughout the week. Store components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover chicken and pasta in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce and chicken separate to prevent soggy pasta and maintain the dish's delicious consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze uncooked seasoned chicken in sealed bags for up to 2 months. Pasta sauce can be frozen for 1-2 months in freezer-safe containers, allowing for quick meal preparation on busy days.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated pasta and chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and preserve the creamy sauce's texture.

Tantalizing Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired lemon garlic chicken with creamy bowtie pasta delivers a zesty flavor profile that combines tender chicken and al dente pasta. Rich herbs and tangy notes create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
• 12 oz (340 g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 4 cups (960 ml) water or chicken broth
• 5 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add bowtie pasta and salt, cooking until al dente. Drain completely, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Cooking: Coat chicken cutlets with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Blend in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add lemon juice and simmer until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pasta and Chicken Integration: Combine bowtie pasta with the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Slice cooked chicken and layer over the pasta.
5. Final Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Chicken Coating Technique: Press seasonings firmly into chicken cutlets for deeper flavor penetration and better crust formation.
• Skillet Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning chicken or creating excessive smoke.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Add pasta water gradually to thin out sauce if too thick, ensuring silky smooth texture without compromising flavor intensity.
• Dietary Modification Option: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg