If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and a little fancy, then you are going to adore this Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect way to bring a burst of zesty lemon and savory garlic together with tender chicken and luscious, creamy pasta. Every bite is a delightful balance of bright flavors and velvety textures that make it impossible to stop at just one serving. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself after a busy day, this dish delivers all the warmth and indulgence you could wish for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe truly shine. Each item is simple but plays a crucial role, from giving the dish a fresh zing to creating a rich, silky sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Let’s dive into the essentials that bring this recipe to life.
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and perfect tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Ideal for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden crust without drying it out.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon (juice and zest): Freshly squeezed and zested to brighten the entire dish with citrusy freshness.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious creamy sauce, though you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter touch.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, savory depth and that signature creamy texture.
- 8 ounces Farfalle Pasta: Known as bowtie pasta, it holds sauce beautifully but any short pasta works wonderfully too.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: To taste, enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground adds a mild heat and complexity.
How to Make Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the bite-sized chicken chunks in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per batch. This step locks in juices and creates a beautifully caramelized flavor that’s essential for the dish’s indulgent taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked and removed from the pan, lower the heat slightly and toss in the minced garlic. Stir it gently for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and just begins to soften. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and detract from those bright lemon notes you’re going for.
Step 3: Add Lemon Zest and Juice
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest. This is what gives your Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe its signature zing. Let the lemon juice bubble up with the garlic for another minute to meld the flavors wonderfully.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly so it doesn’t separate. Then sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency. This creamy sauce will coat every piece of chicken and pasta for that truly indulgent mouthfeel.
Step 5: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
While preparing the sauce, cook your farfalle pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes for al dente. Drain the pasta well but keep a little pasta water in case you want to loosen up the sauce later for that perfect texture.
Step 6: Combine and Season
Return the seared chicken to the pan with the creamy lemon garlic sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Add the cooked pasta, giving it a gentle toss so each bowtie is bathed in the luscious sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then give it one last stir to marry all the flavors.
How to Serve Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light grating of extra Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish, and even a few thin lemon slices can give guests the option to add an extra citric kick.
Side Dishes
This chicken and pasta combo pairs excellently with simple sides that won’t steal the spotlight. Think a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach with garlic. These sides add texture and a healthy brightness that balances the richness of the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve this dish family-style in a large rustic bowl with grated Parmesan and herbs on the side. Or plate individual servings with a lemon twist perched on top for a restaurant-worthy touch. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil or lemon-infused oil over the plate for gorgeous shine and flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making reheated portions even more comforting on day two.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, if you want to preserve leftovers, freeze the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir often until heated through for a luscious meal that tastes just as good the second time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and can add extra flavor. Just be sure to cut them into even bite-sized pieces and cook thoroughly until they’re no longer pink inside.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for heavy cream and Parmesan?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute for heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep things dairy-free, though the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth to tweak the sauce. The creamy lemon garlic sauce is versatile enough to make a fantastic vegetarian meal.
What pasta can I substitute if I don’t have farfalle?
Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini will work wonderfully. They all hold sauce well and pair beautifully with the rich lemon garlic chicken.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Take care to keep the heat medium-low when adding cream and cheese. Stir constantly and avoid boiling the sauce vigorously. Adding cheese gradually and melting it slowly also helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate — bright, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Indulgent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a delightful and creamy dish that combines tender bites of seared chicken with a luscious lemon garlic cream sauce over perfectly cooked farfalle pasta. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a rich, flavorful sauce that balances bright citrus with savory garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, for searing the chicken
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice and zest, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (can substitute with half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Pasta
- 8 ounces Farfalle Pasta (can swap with favorite short pasta)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and add lemon: Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the same skillet, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice and zest to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add parmesan and chicken: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy lemon garlic sauce. Let everything warm through for 2 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained farfalle pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine all ingredients well and heat through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta hot garnished with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but note the sauce will be less thick.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Any short pasta shape can be used instead of farfalle if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
