Description
A delightful combination of tender chicken bites, zesty lemon, and creamy bowtie pasta, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 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)
For the Creamy Bowtie Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 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: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Return the lemon garlic chicken bites to the skillet, mixing them into the pasta.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs or sautéing vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes.
- This dish can be made lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg