If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious meal, this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is exactly what you need! The juicy, pan-seared chicken is perfectly seasoned, while the tangy lemon-garlic cream sauce coats every bite of tender bowtie pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve for a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes!
Incredibly Flavorful: A perfect balance of zesty lemon, garlic, and creamy goodness.
Family Favorite: A meal that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
-
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
½ cup chicken broth
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
-
Zest of 1 lemon
-
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
-
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together in the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm. Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta!
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor, making it a must-try recipe for any pasta lover. The creamy lemon-garlic sauce, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make every bite absolutely irresistible.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to add a twist to creamy pasta dishes? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
-
Use fresh lemon juice – It enhances the tangy flavor more than bottled lemon juice.
-
Zest first, juice second – It’s easier to zest a whole lemon before cutting it.
-
Pound the chicken – If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
-
Marinate for extra flavor – Marinate the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
-
Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a meat thermometer and remove it at 165°F for juicy results.
-
Let the chicken rest – After cooking, let the chicken sit for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
-
Use salted pasta water – It flavors the pasta, making the whole dish taste better.
-
Cook pasta al dente – Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs sauce better and won’t become mushy.
-
Reserve some pasta water – Adding a splash can help thin out the sauce if needed.
-
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet – It distributes heat evenly, preventing the sauce from burning.
-
Sauté garlic on low heat – Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat low to avoid bitterness.
-
Adjust creaminess – Add more heavy cream for a richer sauce or chicken broth to lighten it up.
-
Melt the Parmesan gradually – Stir it in slowly so it fully melts without clumping.
-
Balance flavors – If the sauce tastes too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to mellow it out.
-
Make it extra cheesy – Add shredded mozzarella for an even creamier, cheesier sauce.
-
Use fresh herbs – Fresh basil or parsley adds a nice pop of flavor at the end.
-
Toast the pasta – Lightly toasting the uncooked pasta in butter before boiling adds a nutty depth.
-
Make it spicy – A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice heat boost.
-
Use high-quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded versions.
-
Taste as you go – Adjust seasoning along the way for a perfectly balanced dish.
Variations to Try
-
Swap the protein – Use shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
-
Make it vegetarian – Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
-
Use different pasta – Try fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti if you don’t have bowtie pasta.
-
Add sun-dried tomatoes – They add a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs well with lemon.
-
Try a different cheese – Asiago or Pecorino Romano add a bolder taste.
-
Make it dairy-free – Substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.
-
Use Greek yogurt – Replace half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.
-
Add spinach – Stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
-
Roast the garlic – Instead of sautéing, roast whole garlic cloves for a deeper, sweeter taste.
-
Make it one-pot – Cook everything in the same pot for less cleanup.
-
Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free pasta or serve it over zoodles.
-
Add mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms add a rich umami flavor.
-
Turn it into a casserole – Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
-
Add white wine – Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the sauce ingredients.
-
Make it lemon-pepper flavored – Use lemon-pepper seasoning for an extra zing.
-
Serve it cold – Chill it for a refreshing pasta salad.
-
Add pesto – A spoonful of basil pesto enhances the flavors.
-
Use rotisserie chicken – Save time by using pre-cooked chicken.
-
Make it extra creamy – Blend in some cream cheese for a thicker sauce.
-
Top with crispy bacon – A little crunch makes everything better!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor.
How do I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but store the pasta and sauce separately to avoid it becoming too dry.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I freeze this pasta?
The sauce might separate a bit when frozen, but you can mix it well when reheating.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I add more lemon flavor?
Yes! Just add extra lemon zest or a little more juice.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try Asiago, Romano, or even a sharp white cheddar for a twist.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and remove at 165°F.
Can I make this dish low-carb?
Yes! Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes work great.
How do I keep the sauce from being too thick?
Add more chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken?
Let it rest first, then slice against the grain for the most tender bites.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
What’s a good side dish for this?
Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a side salad pair perfectly.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work well.
How do I make this dish extra cheesy?
Stir in some shredded mozzarella for a gooier texture.
Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead?
Yes! Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, then slice and add to the pasta.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese to thicken it.