Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
When comfort food meets bright, zesty flavors, you get this irresistible Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta. It’s rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor—perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying, family-friendly dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
This dish combines tender chicken, farfalle pasta, and a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce, making it one of the best easy weeknight meals that feels gourmet but comes together in under 40 minutes.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Colander (to drain pasta)
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Zester (for lemon zest)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook bowtie pasta until al dente (10–12 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
-
Cook Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high.
- Toss chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
Make Creamy Lemon Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream cheese.
- Stir until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until fully melted.
- (Optional) Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
-
Combine
- Return chicken to skillet.
- Add pasta and toss gently to coat in sauce.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes to let flavors marry.
-
Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls for extra comfort.
- Add a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
- Serve with a chilled glass of white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) for an Italian-inspired dinner at home.
💡 Tips & Variations
-
Protein Swap: Try shrimp, salmon, or even rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breast.
-
Lighter Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
-
Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth.
-
Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—just reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken, store separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Q: What pasta substitutes work?
Any short pasta works—penne, rotini, or rigatoni will soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bowtie pasta and gluten-free chicken broth.
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
- Season and cook chicken until golden. Remove from skillet.
- Make sauce with lemon zest, juice, cream, broth, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Add chicken and pasta to sauce. Toss and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve warm.
Notes