Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish. Tender, juicy chicken is paired with a zesty, garlicky sauce and creamy pasta for a meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Serves 4
- For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- For the pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the chicken, remove it from the skillet, and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Slice the chicken and place it on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Substitute bowtie pasta with penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.