Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a delightful, creamy dish featuring tender chicken bites infused with bright lemon and garlic flavors, served over perfectly cooked bowtie pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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)
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Creamy Sauce
- 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Lemon: Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the lemon garlic chicken bites back to the skillet and mix thoroughly so the chicken is well incorporated with the pasta and sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve the dish hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Bowtie pasta can be substituted with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if preferred.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
- Fresh herbs add a nice touch of color and flavor but are optional.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Chicken, Creamy Pasta, Bowtie Pasta, Easy Dinner, One Pan Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta
