Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious dinner that comes together quickly, you’ve found it! Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, creamy sauce, and flavorful bowtie pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing family and friends during a weekend dinner. The zesty punch of lemon paired with garlic and Italian seasoning gives this dish a fresh taste that everyone will love. Let’s dive into why you should make this recipe and how to do it!

Why Make This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta. First of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, balanced perfectly by the brightness of lemon and the aromatic garlic.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s very versatile. You can serve it for family dinners, special occasions, or even for meal prep for the week. It’s great for satisfying picky eaters, and if you have kids, they will love those fun bowtie noodles!

Not to mention, this dish is perfect for any season. In the summer, the fresh lemon zest brightens up your meal, while the creamy sauce brings comfort during chilly fall or winter nights. So, whether it’s Easter Sunday or just another Tuesday, this meal is always a good choice!

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Making Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is simple. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have a wonderful meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

These ingredients are likely available in your pantry or local grocery store. You can also modify them based on your taste!

Directions

Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will bring out their flavor and make them deliciously savory.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked all the way through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for around 30 seconds until you smell that lovely aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Make the Sauce: Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Cook the Pasta: While your sauce is simmering, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside.
Slice the Chicken: Take the cooked chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips. This helps to serve them easily over the creamy pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with your creamy sauce. Gently toss everything to coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce.
Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth, making it extra delicious.
Serve: Finally, serve the creamy pasta topped with the sliced chicken. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that beautiful look and a hint of flavor!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

This dish is best served warm. Place a generous portion of the creamy bowtie pasta on each plate and top it with sliced chicken. The splash of green from the fresh parsley not only makes it look pretty but adds a lovely freshness too.

Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal perfectly. A glass of white wine would also nicely complement the zesty lemon flavors if you’re enjoying this for a special dinner!

How to Store Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

If you have any leftovers (which you might not!), you can store them in the fridge. Place the cooled pasta and chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently in a skillet. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge.

Tips to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure your chicken is cooked through, but don’t leave it in the skillet too long, or it may become dry.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemons make a big difference in flavor. Avoid jarred garlic or bottled lemon juice for the best results!
Pasta Perfector: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. This way, it will hold up well in the sauce and add that nice texture to your dish.
Customize Your Sauce: If you want to add some veggies, you can include spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even mushrooms to the creamy sauce.

Variation

While Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is fabulous as it is, there are plenty of ways to mix it up. Here are a few ideas:

Add Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or peas to make it a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Change the Protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even use a vegetarian protein like tofu for a different twist.
Herbs & Spices: If you’re a fan of herbs, feel free to experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano in the sauce to bring new flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Just reheat before mixing with the pasta.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and can easily be reheated for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best not to freeze the creamy pasta, as the sauce may separate. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately.
What can I serve as a side dish?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would pair wonderfully with this dish.

Making Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a joyous experience that results in a delicious meal. There’s nothing like sharing a homemade plate of creamy pasta with family or friends. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy cooking this delightful recipe!