Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta

Imagine this: perfectly seasoned chicken, sizzling away in a lemony, garlicky sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy bowtie pasta. The lemon gives it that zesty freshness, the garlic adds depth, and the Parmesan ties everything together into a dish that feels indulgent but still light enough to enjoy any night of the week. Trust me, this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is a flavor-packed masterpiece that’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes!

It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish has the perfect balance of brightness from the lemon and richness from the Parmesan. And did I mention how easy it is to pull together? You’ll be savoring this comforting meal in no time.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta

Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Flavor Explosion: The lemon and garlic combo is the star of the show here, with the Parmesan bringing in just the right amount of creamy richness to balance it all out. It’s fresh, savory, and totally irresistible!

Simple Yet Impressive: While this dish tastes like something you’d get at a high-end restaurant, it’s made with basic ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s the perfect way to impress without all the fuss.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, with just a handful of steps. You’ll have it on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Versatile: You can easily swap out the pasta for something else—try fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. You can even add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor!

Crowd-Pleasing: The flavors here are a total crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone’s appetite, yet light enough to make it the ideal summer dinner or casual family meal.

Ingredients in Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta

Let’s break down the ingredients, so you know exactly what you need to bring this dish to life!

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken breasts are the perfect protein for this dish. You could also use thighs if you prefer.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here—it infuses the sauce with a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Lemon: The zest and juice from fresh lemons will bring that burst of citrusy goodness.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken, olive oil adds richness while keeping it light.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that allow the other flavors to shine.

For the Pasta:

• Bowtie Pasta: Also known as farfalle, these little pasta shapes are not only fun but also great at holding onto the creamy sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness to the pasta and helps create that velvety sauce.
• Heavy Cream: For a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan gives this dish the cheesy kick it needs. The sharper, the better!
• Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started with making this flavor-packed dish!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. The seasoning will help build that foundational flavor for the dish.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant (but be careful not to burn it!).
2. Add the Lemon: Stir in the zest and juice of the lemon, letting it sizzle for a few seconds to release its oils and flavor.
3. Make It Creamy: Add the heavy cream and butter to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce to create a creamy, cheesy coating. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

1. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy lemon garlic sauce, tossing it to coat all the pasta in that velvety sauce. You can add a little pasta water if the sauce seems too thick, or if you want to make sure it clings perfectly to the pasta.
2. Slice the Chicken: While the pasta is soaking up all that flavor, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
3. Toss and Serve: Once everything is well combined, top the pasta with the sliced chicken. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and a hint of freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Plate up the pasta, making sure to get a good mix of chicken and pasta on each plate. Serve immediately, and enjoy the zesty, creamy goodness of this dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 600-700 calories (depends on serving size and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta

This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it with a few sides. Here are some ideas to round out the meal:

Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is always a winner with pasta. Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce!

Green Salad: Pair this dish with a fresh green salad. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the lemony flavor of the chicken perfectly.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus would add a nice crunchy, savory contrast to the creamy pasta.

Additional Tips

Make It Lighter: If you want to lighten things up, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and use a lighter pasta like whole wheat or gluten-free options.

Add Veggies: If you’re looking to add more veggies, try tossing in some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes with the pasta for extra flavor and color.

Make It a Meal Prep Favorite: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Chicken Thighs Option: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great here as well. They’re juicy and full of flavor, and they’ll soak up that lemon garlic sauce beautifully.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can swap the bowtie pasta for any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken. Just warm it up and toss it with the pasta and sauce.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the pasta and sauce in advance. Just keep everything separate and combine them just before serving.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A4: Yes! Try adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Freezing this dish is not recommended due to the creamy sauce—it may separate upon reheating. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately, and then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate dinner that combines bright citrusy flavors with rich, creamy goodness. It’s the perfect balance of savory and fresh, and it comes together quickly for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a plateful of pasta perfection!

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