Description
If you’re looking for a satisfying, easy recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally weeknight-friendly, this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is it. Juicy chicken is seared with lemon and garlic, then folded into a velvety parmesan cream sauce with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s a cozy, comforting, yet bright and balanced dish that makes dinner feel a little more special. Ideal for quick dinners, easy recipe lovers, or anyone searching for dinner ideas or comforting food ideas that come together in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and marinate with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for at least 15–30 minutes.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream, add lemon zest, and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add pasta water a splash at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
7. Toss in the cooked pasta and let it simmer for a minute to absorb the flavors.
8. Return chicken to the pan or serve on top of the creamy pasta.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Let the cream come to room temperature before adding to prevent curdling.
Always reserve pasta water—it helps create the silkiest sauce.
Grate your Parmesan fresh; pre-shredded cheese won’t melt smoothly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: easy dinner, lemon chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, bowtie pasta recipe, garlic chicken, quick meals