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!
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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.
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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.
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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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