Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe for Zesty Comfort

Crispy, golden chicken meets zesty lemon garlic sauce in this mouthwatering bowtie pasta creation.

The tender meat practically dances with bright Mediterranean flavors.

Succulent chicken breasts deliver incredible depth through carefully balanced seasonings.

Creamy sauce coats each perfectly shaped pasta strand with silky elegance.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this restaurant-quality dish comes together in their kitchen.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something truly spectacular.

Dive into this comforting meal that promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Storing and Reheating Lemon Garlic Chicken Made Simple

• Store leftover chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature before sealing the containers to avoid condensation and potential soggy texture.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• Warm the chicken and pasta in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture, stirring occasionally and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F to kill any bacteria.

Sides That Pair with Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus notes that complement the lemon garlic chicken's zesty profile, enhancing the dish's tangy and creamy elements without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to mirror the pasta's creamy texture and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken dish.
• Prepare a warm, toasted baguette rubbed with fresh garlic and drizzled with olive oil to soak up the luxurious cream sauce and add a crunchy textural contrast to the soft pasta.
• Craft a sparkling lemonade with muddled mint and a hint of ginger, offering a zesty, non-alcoholic beverage that cuts through the dish's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Ways to Switch Up Your Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

Gluten-Free Zest: Swap regular bowtie pasta with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly meal that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor profile.

Low-Carb Comfort: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the rich lemon garlic chicken essence intact.

Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a plant-based sauce that’s equally smooth and satisfying.

Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same lemon garlic mixture to ensure deep flavor penetration and a protein-packed alternative.

Reasons to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

• Tackle this delightful meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality dinner without complicated steps.
• Zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan create a mouthwatering combination that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for chicken and sauce, reducing dish washing and saving precious evening time for relaxation.
• Adaptable for picky eaters and sophisticated palates alike, this recipe works brilliantly for casual family dinners or impressive date nights with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken and Pasta Bliss

• Chicken Breasts: Succulent main protein that absorbs the zesty marinade and provides hearty flavor. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich, salty cheese that adds depth to the cream sauce. Select authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for premium taste.

• Garlic, Onion: Foundational flavor builders that create a robust base for the sauce. Fresh garlic and sweet onions provide complex taste.
• Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance chicken's flavor profile. Use freshly ground spices for maximum potency.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy elements that add tangy freshness to both chicken and sauce. Prefer fresh lemons over bottled juice.

• Bowtie Pasta, Heavy Cream, Butter: Core ingredients for creating creamy pasta base. Select high-quality pasta with good texture and full-fat cream for richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Delicate herb for garnishing that provides visual appeal and subtle green notes.

Cooking Steps for Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Perfection

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the marinade into chicken breasts and let them soak up the goodness for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust, about 6-7 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook bowtie pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture. Drain and keep warm.

Step 4: Create the Luxurious Sauce

• Melt butter
• Saute chopped onions until they turn translucent
• Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant
• Pour in heavy cream
• Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese
• Add a touch of lemon zest

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes. Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is lovingly coated.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Slice the chicken into beautiful strips and nestle them atop the creamy bowtie pasta. Shower with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Helpful Tips for Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Success

• Marinate Like a Pro: Let chicken soak in lemon-garlic mixture for maximum flavor absorption and tender results.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Cook chicken on medium heat and avoid overcooking to maintain juicy, succulent texture.
• Pasta Perfection: Salt boiling water generously and cook pasta al dente to ensure ideal texture and taste.
• Sauce Smoothing Technique: Simmer cream sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve silky, rich consistency.
• Zesty Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan just before serving to enhance overall dish brightness and flavor depth.

Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon garlic chicken dances with creamy bowtie pasta in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish. Fragrant herbs and tangy notes create a perfect balance, inviting you to savor each delightful forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 300 g (10 oz) bowtie pasta

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken breasts with a zesty marinade by blending lemon juice, zest, crushed garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel.
2. Allow chicken to absorb flavors for approximately 15-20 minutes, ensuring maximum taste penetration.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating an ideal searing environment.
4. Transfer marinated chicken to the heated skillet, cooking each side for 6-7 minutes until achieving a golden exterior and thoroughly cooked interior.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest momentarily while preparing subsequent components.
6. Simultaneously, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook bowtie pasta until reaching an al dente texture.
7. Drain pasta, reserving a small quantity of cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
8. In the identical skillet used for chicken, melt butter and introduce finely chopped onions, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
9. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release aromatic compounds.
10. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, blending with freshly grated Parmesan and remaining lemon zest.
11. Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
12. Gently fold cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated.
13. Slice prepared chicken into elegant strips and arrange atop the creamy pasta.
14. Finish the dish by garnishing with delicate fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Marinating Magic: Let chicken soak in lemon-garlic mixture for at least 15 minutes to maximize flavor infusion and tenderize the meat.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a pleasant texture when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Sauce Stability: Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions, and use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg