Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Succulent chicken dances with lemon garlic flavors in this irresistible bowtie pasta recipe that promises pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among delicate pasta shapes, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Zesty lemon adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the creamy sauce, making each bite absolutely delightful.

Garlic infuses deep, aromatic richness into every forkful of this satisfying meal.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

How To Store Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Refrigeration Strategies: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal the chicken and pasta separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Microwave chicken in short intervals to prevent drying out, keeping it tender and juicy.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze unassembled components for up to 2 months. Package pasta sauce, cooked chicken, and noodles in separate freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce in advance during weekly cooking sessions. Store components in individual portions for quick weeknight dinners. Boil fresh pasta when ready to serve, ensuring maximum flavor and texture freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 710 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Inside Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: Delightful twisty shape that catches creamy sauce perfectly, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and flavor.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that transforms into tender, juicy centerpiece, select fresh, plump breasts without discoloration.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic warmth to chicken, ensures even flavor distribution.
• Paprika: Brings subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful golden color to chicken exterior.
• Salt: Enhances all flavors and helps tenderize chicken, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity to seasoning blend.
• Olive Oil: Creates perfect golden sear and adds rich, smooth undertone to chicken.

• Butter: Creates silky base for creamy sauce, adds luxurious richness.
• Fresh Garlic: Introduces intense, aromatic flavor, choose firm, plump cloves.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety texture to sauce, opt for high-fat content cream.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, sharp depth to sauce, grate fresh for maximum flavor.
• Lemon: Bright, zesty ingredient that cuts through richness, select firm, heavy lemons.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal brightness and beautiful green color, choose vibrant leaves.

Helpful Tools For Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta, ensuring even cooking.
• Skillet: Crucial for searing chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping parsley.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for precise cutting of ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure seasonings accurately.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring pasta and sauce.
• Colander: Used to drain cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Grater: Helps zest the lemon for added flavor.

Instructions For Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Pasta Foundation

Boil water with a pinch of salt. Drop bowtie pasta and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for the flavor journey.

• Chicken Transformation

Season chicken with warm spices. Sear in a hot skillet until golden and juicy. Splash fresh lemon juice over the crispy exterior, creating a zesty coating.

• Sauce Magic

Melt butter in the same pan. Dance minced garlic around the skillet until its aroma fills the kitchen. Pour silky cream, whisking gently. Sprinkle Parmesan and lemon zest, letting the sauce become luxuriously smooth.

• Harmony on the Plate

Toss pasta into the creamy embrace. Scatter fresh parsley for a burst of green. Let flavors mingle and dance together.

• Final Touch

Slice chicken into beautiful medallions. Rest them atop the creamy pasta. Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavor explosion.

Tips For Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and maximum juiciness. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a rich, cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or corn flour. Ensure all other ingredients like seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, baked tofu, or roasted turkey breast for variety. Each protein brings a unique texture and flavor profile to the creamy pasta dish.
• Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill to add depth and brightness. Dried herbs work well too, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate lemon and garlic notes.

Serving Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta Well

• Party Plate Presentation: Arrange the sliced lemon garlic chicken beautifully atop the creamy bowtie pasta, creating a restaurant-style visual that makes the dish look gourmet and irresistible.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and a light lemon zest over the dish to add brightness, color, and a fresh herbaceous touch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Side Companion Magic: Pair the chicken pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to provide a balanced and nutritious meal with complementary textures.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which beautifully complements the lemony, creamy notes of the chicken and pasta dish.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken With Silky Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic chicken nestled atop creamy bowtie pasta delivers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey. Home cooks can savor this simple yet elegant dish that brings comfort and zesty flavors to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 300 g (10 oz) bowtie pasta
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water vessel to a vigorous boil. Immerse bowtie pasta and cook to al dente perfection. Drain, preserving a small quantity of cooking liquid, and set aside.

1. Chicken Transformation: Season chicken breasts with a robust spice blend. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Sear chicken until golden and thoroughly cooked, developing a caramelized exterior. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and transfer to a holding plate.

1. Sauce Crafting: Utilize the same skillet to create a velvety sauce. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence. Pour in heavy cream, integrating Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Whisk until the mixture achieves a smooth, slightly thickened consistency.

1. Pasta Integration: Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is luxuriously coated. Sprinkle fresh parsley throughout, adding vibrant color and herbal complexity. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

1. Plating Finale: Slice chicken into elegant strips and arrange atop the creamy pasta. Garnish with additional parsley and present lemon wedges for personalized zest. The dish is now ready to captivate discerning palates with its harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a splash of starchy pasta water to help sauce cling perfectly to bowtie pasta, creating a silkier, more cohesive texture.
• Perfect Chicken Sear: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat when adding Parmesan to prevent curdling, allowing residual warmth to gently incorporate cheese into sauce.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions, and use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 710
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg