There’s nothing quite like a creamy pasta dish with the perfect balance of rich flavors and fresh citrus notes. This lemon garlic butter chicken with creamy Parmesan bowtie pasta is one of those comforting meals that feels both indulgent and refreshing. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a beautifully aromatic base, while the Parmesan sauce ties everything together with a creamy, velvety texture.
This dish is a go-to for busy weeknights, yet it’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner gathering. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple evening meal into something special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The bowtie pasta holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, and the pan-seared chicken adds a satisfying, protein-packed bite.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Whether you want to add more vegetables, swap out the protein, or lighten up the sauce, there are endless ways to make it your own. The balance of flavors is what makes this dish stand out each bite is packed with creamy, garlicky, and lemony goodness.
If you love meals that are quick, easy, and full of flavor, this one is sure to become a favorite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
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Bright & Creamy Flavor: The tangy lemon, rich garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan sauce create a luxurious taste that feels restaurant-quality but is easy to make at home.
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Quick & Effortless: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for anyone who wants a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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One-Pan Convenience: Cooking the chicken and sauce in the same skillet not only builds layers of flavor but also makes cleanup a breeze.
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Versatile & Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp, add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or make it lighter with half-and-half instead of heavy cream this dish adapts to your preferences.
This creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy pasta is the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings. It’s rich enough to feel indulgent but balanced by the freshness of lemon, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 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
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra depth of flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Lemon
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variation
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions to help you customize the dish:
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the bowtie pasta for gluten-free pasta, such as rice pasta or chickpea pasta. This ensures the dish remains gluten-free without compromising on taste.
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Vegan/Vegetarian: To make this dish vegan, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use a plant-based cream such as coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
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Low-Carb/Keto: For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, replace the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash. You can also use a sugar-free or almond milk alternative to replace the heavy cream.
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Dairy-Free: For dairy-free alternatives, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream in place of heavy cream. For the Parmesan, you can opt for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
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Protein Swaps: Instead of chicken, use shrimp, salmon, or grilled turkey breast for different flavor profiles. Each option pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
These variations allow you to adapt this dish to different diets and preferences, making it suitable for nearly anyone at your table.
How to Serve
The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish, but serving it with the right sides and garnishes can elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:
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Fresh Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully to balance out the richness of the creamy pasta. Mixed greens, arugula, or even a simple Caesar salad would complement the dish perfectly.
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Roasted Vegetables: Pair the pasta with roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots. The slightly charred flavors from the roasting process add depth and texture to the meal.
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Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce.
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Steamed Greens: Lightly steamed green beans, spinach, or broccoli add a touch of freshness to the dish and balance the richness of the pasta.
Recipe Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta:
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have any leftover chicken, it’s best to store it separately from the pasta to prevent the sauce from becoming too soggy.
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Meal Prep: To make this dish easier during the week, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Cook the chicken and make the creamy Parmesan sauce, then refrigerate them separately until you’re ready to assemble. Cook the pasta fresh on the day of serving for the best texture.
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Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. If you plan to freeze the pasta, keep the sauce and chicken separate. Reheat the sauce on the stove and the chicken in the oven for the best results once you’re ready to serve.
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Reheating: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, which can thicken as it sits in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
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Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier pasta, feel free to add more cream or Parmesan cheese to the sauce, or you can even stir in some cream cheese for extra richness.
These tips will help you create the perfect creamy pasta every time, whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping it ahead of time for a busy day.
Cooking Note
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Use Fresh Chicken: For the best results, use fresh chicken breasts. Frozen chicken breasts can work in a pinch, but fresh chicken will give you the most tender texture.
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy, don’t overcook it. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), but keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking to avoid dryness.
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Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Pasta Cooking: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold the creamy sauce as well.
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Garlic Flavor: For a stronger garlic flavor, you can sauté the garlic a bit longer. However, be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 800mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for bowtie pasta (farfalle), you can easily swap it for any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this dish by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. For the cheese, you can use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to add that cheesy flavor.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of Italian seasoning for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the flavors and create a juicier, more aromatic chicken.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and then reheat the chicken and sauce together on the stove. This makes for an easy, quick meal when you’re short on time.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta may soak up the sauce, but you can easily add a splash of cream or chicken broth when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 1-2 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and chicken on the stove, and cook fresh pasta. This will give you the best results and prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is an irresistible dish that combines the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and comforting pasta. It’s a wonderful weeknight dinner or special meal for gatherings, offering both delicious flavor and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
The versatility of this dish means it can be customized to suit various dietary needs and preferences, from gluten-free to vegan options. And with the option to make it ahead or store leftovers, this recipe is as convenient as it is tasty. So, the next time you’re looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple, try making this creamy, zesty pasta your taste buds will thank you!
We hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this recipe with your loved ones. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your experience. Also, don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site for even more inspiration.
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 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
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. Drain and set aside.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra depth of flavor to the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 600
- Sodium: 800
- Protein: 34