If you are craving a dish that effortlessly combines zesty freshness with rich, creamy comfort, this Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken bites infused with lemon and garlic flavors swim in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly hugging every farfalle pasta piece. This recipe is a delightful balance of bright citrus notes and indulgent creaminess, making it a surefire hit for both weeknight dinners and those special occasions when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet powerful ingredients make this dish sing with vibrant flavor and a satisfying texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the juicy lemon that lifts the richness to the garlic adding warmth, all brought together by tender chicken and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta.
- Chicken Breasts (2 pieces, cut into bite-sized chunks): Choose fresh, plump breasts for tender, juicy meat every time.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity undertone and is perfect for searing the chicken to a golden crisp.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone that infuses the sauce with irresistible depth.
- Lemon (1 piece, juice and zest): Provides a bright and zesty punch that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates the indulgent, silky base for the sauce; half-and-half can soften the richness if desired.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Brings sharp, nutty flavors that melt into the sauce, bringing everything together.
- Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and vibrant green color.
- Farfalle Pasta (8 ounces): The bowtie shape holds sauce beautifully and adds a playful texture; whole wheat or spinach varieties work nicely too.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough subtle heat to balance the dish.
How to Make Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this step ensures a nice sear. Then season evenly with salt, black pepper, and the fresh lemon zest. The lemon zest imparts a fragrant citrus aroma right into the chicken, setting the stage for the vibrant flavors ahead.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken chunks and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until each piece is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Searing at this stage locks in juices, ensuring the chicken stays tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your farfalle pasta, cooking it according to package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water to help marry the sauce later on.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat and gently sauté the minced garlic just until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and reserved lemon zest. Let this mixture simmer softly for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine Everything
Lower the heat again, then gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, resulting in a silky texture. Add the cooked farfalle and chicken pieces back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening, until every bowtie pasta is luxuriously coated in that creamy lemon garlic goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Ready to Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a few extra shavings of Parmesan to brighten the plate and add fresh herbal notes. Now, your Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe is ready to delight every forkful.
How to Serve Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley not only adds a burst of green color but also a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A few extra Parmesan flakes on top provide a savory finishing touch that makes every bite irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli also complement the dish by adding crunch and vibrant nutrition for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in wide shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce pooling around the farfalle. For a fun twist, offer lemon wedges alongside for guests to squeeze over for an extra citrus kick. Adding edible flowers or finely chopped chives also elevates the presentation if you’re entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-sealed helps retain the moisture and creamy texture without drying out the chicken or pasta.
Freezing
While the dish is delightful fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwave reheating without dilution, as it can cause the sauce to separate and the chicken to dry out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking process for a richer, more flavorful dish.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, half-and-half works well. For dairy-free options, try coconut cream, but it will subtly change the flavor and texture, adding a hint of coconut taste.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower to maintain a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth in place of any chicken stock if your recipe calls for it and keep the creamy sauce as is.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese, stirring continuously. Adding cheese gradually and avoiding boiling the sauce helps keep it smooth and luscious.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook and cool the chicken and pasta separately ahead of time, but it’s best to make and combine the sauce fresh for maximum flavor and creaminess before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s comfort food elevated with bright, fresh lemon and garlic flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for weeknight dinners or casual dinner parties. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
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Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a delightful, comforting dish that combines tender, seared chicken with a luscious creamy lemon garlic sauce tossed with perfectly cooked farfalle pasta. Rich Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley add layers of flavor and freshness making it a perfect meal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 piece Lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)
Sauce & Pasta
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 8 ounces Farfalle Pasta (or whole wheat/spinach-infused varieties)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and the zest of one lemon to infuse bright citrus flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear for 5-6 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust and are fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and reserved lemon zest, then allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
- Melt the Cheese and Combine: Lower the heat further and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Toss in the cooked farfalle pasta and seared chicken pieces, mixing well. If the sauce seems too thick, adjust consistency by adding a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this rich and flavorful comforting pasta dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor and smooth texture in the sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
- Use whole wheat or spinach-infused farfalle pasta to add nutritional value and a fun color twist.
- You can marinate the chicken briefly with lemon juice and garlic for even more flavor, but it’s optional.
