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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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