Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces infused with zesty lemon and garlic. Cooked to perfection in a creamy Parmesan sauce, this comforting pasta meal delivers richness balanced by fresh herbs, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet, and 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, add butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add Chicken: Return the lemon garlic chicken bites to the skillet, mixing them into the pasta.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time; reheat gently on stovetop to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels if desired.
