There are recipes that come to you during the busiest weeknights, when everyone is hungry and you need dinner on the table fast. Then there are recipes like this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta that feel like little treasures, the kind of meal you start craving as soon as you think about it.
I discovered my love for this combination years ago when I wanted something comforting yet bright, creamy yet not too heavy. Lemon was the missing link. It lifted the richness of cream and cheese, making each bite balanced and satisfying without weighing you down.
Essential Elements and Equipment
Making this pasta is simple, but a few elements make it truly shine. Having the right ingredients and tools on hand ensures smooth cooking and the best results:
- Chicken breasts: bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay tender.
- Bowtie pasta: farfalle holds the creamy sauce beautifully in its folds.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper add layers of flavor to the chicken.
- Fresh lemon: zest and juice brighten the richness of the sauce.
- Garlic, cream, and cream cheese form the velvety base.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan: give the sauce that luscious, melty texture.
- Large skillet and pot: essential for cooking the chicken, sauce, and pasta efficiently.
- Whisk and spatula: keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: for prepping chicken and garlic easily.
With just these basics, you can recreate this recipe confidently at home.
What Makes This Recipe Work
Several details make this pasta dish so satisfying and memorable.
- Balanced flavors: The lemon zest and juice cut through the richness of the cream and cheese, preventing the dish from feeling heavy.
- Tender, seasoned chicken: Cooking the chicken with a simple blend of spices ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Creamy garlic sauce: Garlic sautéed in butter before adding cream gives the sauce a savory depth.
- Perfect pasta texture: Cooking bowtie pasta to al dente makes it sturdy enough to hold the sauce without getting soggy.
- Cheese combination: Cream cheese adds body, mozzarella makes it stringy and indulgent, and Parmesan delivers sharpness.
- One-skillet efficiency: Aside from the pasta pot, everything comes together in one pan, minimizing cleanup.
- Versatility: The recipe welcomes variations with vegetables, herbs, or different proteins, making it flexible for your pantry.
The marriage of creamy, savory, and citrusy notes makes it a dish people remember and request again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and set aside. Toss with a small splash of olive oil if you want to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats, season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Step 4: Lower the heat slightly and add the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 6: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Variations You Can Try
One of the best parts about this dish is how flexible it is. You can easily adapt it to fit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
- Vegetable boost: Add sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or even peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Protein swaps: Try shrimp, salmon, or even leftover rotisserie chicken if you need a quicker option.
- Cheese changes: Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a slightly different texture. Goat cheese can bring tangy notes if you enjoy bolder flavors.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free mozzarella alternative. The lemon will still keep it bright.
- Gluten-free option: Simply swap regular bowties with a good-quality gluten-free pasta.
- Spice lovers: Double the garlic, add more red pepper flakes, or stir in a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
- Milder version: Reduce garlic and skip the red pepper flakes for kids or guests who prefer gentler flavors.
Each variation keeps the creamy lemon-garlic base intact, so you can personalize it without losing the charm of the original recipe.
How to Serve
This pasta makes a complete meal on its own, but serving it with the right accompaniments elevates it further.
- With bread: A loaf of crusty bread or soft garlic knots helps soak up the creamy sauce.
- With salad: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A cucumber and tomato salad with a splash of lemon fits beautifully.
- As part of a spread: For gatherings, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter for variety.
- Kid-friendly meal: Offer with simple steamed carrots or corn, as kids tend to love the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Finishing touches: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving makes it irresistible.
- Beverage pairings: Lemon-infused sparkling water or iced tea enhances the citrusy notes and refreshes the palate.
This is a pasta that feels at home on a casual weeknight but also looks elegant enough for company.
Tips for the Best Results
- Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly and stay tender.
- Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better when tossed in sauce.
- Zest the lemon before juicing to make the process easier. Use a fine grater for a light, fragrant zest without bitter pith.
- Warm the cream slightly before adding to the pan if you want the sauce to come together faster.
- Shred your own mozzarella and grate Parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Adjust thickness by adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
- Taste the sauce before serving. The brightness of lemon can vary, so adjust with a little more zest, juice, or salt until balanced.
- Always let the pasta sit for a minute in the sauce before serving so it can absorb the flavors.
With these small details, your pasta will taste restaurant-quality every time.
Cooking Notes
- Cook chicken in batches if your pan is small, so it browns instead of steaming.
- Do not skip the garlic sauté in butter; it builds the foundation of flavor.
- Heavy cream creates a rich, stable sauce. Half-and-half works, but the sauce may be thinner.
- Add cream cheese slowly and let it fully melt before adding mozzarella or Parmesan.
- Leftovers thicken in the fridge; reheat with a splash of milk or broth to bring back creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 780 per serving
- Protein: 45 g
- Fat: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then store them in the fridge. Cook fresh pasta before serving and toss everything together. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the sauce silky.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half works, though the sauce will be lighter. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is the best substitute since it creates a rich, velvety texture.
3. Can I bake this dish like a pasta casserole?
Absolutely. Mix the pasta and sauce, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
4. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking. Cut into small, even pieces and cook just until no longer pink inside. Removing the chicken while making the sauce keeps it juicy.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is one of those recipes that finds its way into your weekly rotation and stays there. It is simple to prepare, yet the flavors feel like something special. The balance of creamy, cheesy richness with the brightness of lemon and garlic keeps every bite lively. Kids love it, adults crave it, and it is flexible enough to adapt to different diets or ingredients you have in the pantry.
When I make this dish for my family, I know dinner will be met with smiles. It is the kind of meal that feels as though you spent hours cooking, but in truth, it comes together in under 40 minutes. That makes it a recipe worth keeping close, ready for busy nights and relaxed weekends alike. If you try it once, it may just become one of your most requested dinners.
So gather your ingredients, zest that lemon, and let the creamy garlic sauce fill your kitchen with warmth. Your family will thank you, and you will thank yourself for finding a recipe that is both effortless and delicious.
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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and set aside. Toss with a small splash of olive oil if you want to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats, season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Step 4: Lower the heat slightly and add the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 6: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 780
- Sodium: 920
- Fat: 42
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Protein: 45