If you love a good combination of citrusy brightness and savory goodness, then Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta will quickly become your go-to dish. It’s a simple yet sophisticated recipe that combines tender chicken, creamy Parmesan pasta, and a zesty kick of lemon. The recipe balances flavor with ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but also special enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to something delicious, this dish offers a wonderful fusion of rich, creamy pasta and perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is designed to delight anyone who loves fresh, vibrant flavors alongside comforting, creamy pasta. The lemon’s bright tang pairs perfectly with the savory garlic butter sauce, giving the pasta an unexpected, refreshing lift. The juicy chicken, seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that everyone will enjoy. And it’s a versatile meal, whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping for a dinner party, or just looking for a cozy solo meal, this dish fits the occasion.
It’s not just about the flavors, it’s also about the texture. The bowtie pasta offers a playful shape that adds some extra charm, and the creamy sauce clings to each piece, making every bite a satisfying experience. The chicken, lightly pan-seared and juicy, complements the pasta in the best way possible. And while it’s rich in flavor, it’s not overwhelmingly heavy, thanks to the brightness of the lemon. Best of all? It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy this meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter
- For the Pasta:
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
-
Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until it’s just al dente tender but still with a little bite. Drain it, but don’t forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water, just in case your sauce needs a little loosening up later. -
Season and Sizzle the Chicken
While the pasta’s cooking, grab those chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and let it sear about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Set it aside to rest while you build the sauce. -
Make That Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute don’t let it brown, just until it’s nice and fragrant. -
Add Broth and Creamy Goodness
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom. Then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit. -
Brighten with Lemon
Now for the zing add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a little salt and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. -
Bring It All Together
Slice the cooked chicken and stir it back into the pan. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss it gently until every piece is coated in that creamy, lemony garlic sauce. -
Serve with Love
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more Parmesan on top. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!
Variation
Want to make this dish your own? There are plenty of easy ways to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free? No problem! Just swap the regular bowtie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice or chickpea pasta works great and still soaks up all that creamy, lemony goodness.
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Dairy-Free Options: Use olive oil or dairy-free butter in place of regular butter. For the creamy sauce, coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative works beautifully. You can also use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute for that cheesy flavor.
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Make It Vegetarian: Just leave out the chicken and add in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or broccoli. Chickpeas or cannellini beans are also great protein-rich add-ins that keep it hearty and satisfying.
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Switch Up the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Go ahead and try shrimp, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a different take. Got leftover rotisserie chicken? This is a great way to use it up!
No matter how you mix and match, this recipe is all about making it work for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative, your perfect version is just a few tweaks away!
How to Serve
This pasta is already packed with flavor, but let’s take it up a notch! Here are some tasty ideas to make your meal feel complete:
Start with a fresh green salad, something light and citrusy to complement the lemon in the sauce. A simple arugula or baby spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a great match.
Craving something cozy? Serve it alongside warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to help soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce. You can even drizzle a little extra olive oil and Parmesan on top of the bread for added flavor.
Want a pop of color and crunch? Add steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus, green beans, or cherry tomatoes on the side. They’ll brighten the plate and balance the richness of the sauce.
To garnish, don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan, and a little extra lemon zest. These small touches bring everything together and make the dish look (and taste) restaurant-worthy.
And for a refreshing drink, a glass of iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or even a homemade citrus mocktail pairs perfectly. Keep it light and zesty, it’s all about balance.
Recipe Tips
Want to make this dish even smoother to whip up? These tips will help you save time and make every bite even more delicious.
Leftover chicken works perfectly here! If you’ve got grilled or rotisserie chicken in the fridge, slice it up and warm it in the sauce to cut down on prep time. You’ll still get all the great flavor without extra cooking.
To get ahead, consider prepping your ingredients in advance. You can mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, chop the parsley, and even cook the pasta a day early. Just toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil after draining to prevent it from sticking.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to help loosen the sauce it thickens quite a bit once chilled. Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals.
If you plan to freeze leftovers, keep the pasta and sauce separate for the best texture. Reheat the sauce slowly and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Cooking Note
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Make sure your chicken is evenly sized before cooking to avoid uneven doneness. You can slice thicker breasts in half or pound them slightly.
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Don’t let the garlic burn when sautéing, it only takes a minute to become fragrant. Burnt garlic turns bitter quickly.
-
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for a creamier sauce. It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
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Be sure to taste the sauce before combining everything. Adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
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If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a bit more chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutritional Information
Calories: Approximately 570 per serving
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 540mg
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the bowtie pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many gluten-free pasta options available that will work perfectly with the lemon garlic sauce. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions since gluten-free pasta can have a different cooking time.
2. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) is fun and visually appealing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine would be great alternatives, and the sauce will still coat the pasta beautifully.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer dark meat. They’re a bit more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts, and they will absorb the lemon garlic sauce beautifully. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can add a little chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened. Gently heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be sure to consume leftovers within a few days for the best taste and texture.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pasta in advance, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the chicken and sauce together and toss with the cooked pasta. This saves you time on busy nights!
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is the kind of dish that combines the best of both worlds: flavorful, comforting, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress friends and family, this recipe never disappoints. The zesty lemon, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly seared chicken come together in a way that feels gourmet, yet it’s simple enough for any home cook to tackle.
The versatility of this dish also makes it perfect for customization. Whether you prefer a bit of heat from red pepper flakes or opt for a gluten-free or dairy-free version, you can make this meal fit your tastes and dietary preferences. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.
So, why not give it a try? I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments. And don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes right here on our site! Happy cooking!
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter
- For the Pasta:
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
-
Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until it’s just al dente tender but still with a little bite. Drain it, but don’t forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water, just in case your sauce needs a little loosening up later. -
Season and Sizzle the Chicken
While the pasta’s cooking, grab those chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and let it sear about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Set it aside to rest while you build the sauce. -
Make That Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute don’t let it brown, just until it’s nice and fragrant. -
Add Broth and Creamy Goodness
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the bottom. Then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit. -
Brighten with Lemon
Now for the zing add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a little salt and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. -
Bring It All Together
Slice the cooked chicken and stir it back into the pan. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss it gently until every piece is coated in that creamy, lemony garlic sauce. -
Serve with Love
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more Parmesan on top. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!
Notes
-
Make sure your chicken is evenly sized before cooking to avoid uneven doneness. You can slice thicker breasts in half or pound them slightly.
-
Don’t let the garlic burn when sautéing, it only takes a minute to become fragrant. Burnt garlic turns bitter quickly.
-
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for a creamier sauce. It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 570
- Sodium: 540
- Protein: 38