Advertisements

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

by easysweetmeal
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

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!

Advertisements

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

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

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.

Advertisements

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.

Advertisements

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta


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

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!


Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Advertisements

Advertisements

You may also like

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating