Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

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Bright, zesty, and creamy—this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a dinner winner! Tender chicken bites are infused with lemon and garlic, then paired with bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a dish that’s both refreshing and indulgent, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright & Flavorful: Lemon and garlic add a fresh, zesty kick.
• Creamy & Comforting: A rich, cheesy sauce coats every bite.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Versatile: Perfect as-is or customizable with your favorite veggies.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Chicken Bites:

• Chicken breasts: The protein base, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
• Olive oil & butter: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
• Lemon juice & zest: Provides a bright, citrusy contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Fresh parsley: Optional garnish for freshness.

For the Creamy Bowtie Pasta:

• Bowtie pasta (farfalle): Holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Heavy cream & chicken broth: Creates a velvety, flavorful sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a rich, cheesy taste.
• Butter: Enhances the creaminess.
• Salt & pepper: Adjusts seasoning to taste.
• Fresh parsley or basil: Optional, for a fresh finishing touch

Tips and Tricks

• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Smooth Sauce: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.

Variations and Customizations

• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli to the pasta.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Cheesy Twist: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese to the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

• Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping.
• Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
• Wine: Enjoy with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are great alternatives.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese alternatives.

4. Can I add more veggies?
Yes, stir in spinach, zucchini, or peas for extra nutrition.

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delightful combination of tender lemon-garlic chicken bites and creamy Parmesan-coated bowtie pasta. This dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting yet refreshing meal!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 2 tbsp butter (adds richness)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (for a savory kick)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (adds brightness)
• 1 tsp lemon zest (for extra zing)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (adds warmth and color)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Bowtie Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for a rich, velvety sauce)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (adds depth of flavor)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for a cheesy finish)
• 1 tbsp butter (for richness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
   • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet 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 minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat.
   • Return the lemon garlic chicken to the skillet and mix everything together.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
   • Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

• For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce for an extra 2-3 minutes.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

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