If you’re searching for a vibrant, cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. It brings together tender, juicy chicken bathed in a bright lemon garlic sauce with a creamy Parmesan-coated bowtie pasta that’s utterly irresistible. Every bite bursts with fresh citrus notes balanced by rich, savory Parmesan, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to serve for guests. I’m excited to walk you through this recipe because it’s one of my absolute favorites to make when I want something delicious and fuss-free!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that will have your taste buds singing.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, offering juicy, tender bites when cooked just right.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly searing that chicken to a golden brown crispness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses that signature fragrant, savory depth to the sauce.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Brightens the dish with a refreshing citrus kick.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds juicy acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Offers earthy, aromatic herbal notes to complement the chicken.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds vibrant color and a fresh herbaceous finish.
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): Perfectly shaped to hold onto creamy sauce in every nook.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Brings silky richness to the pasta sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that luxuriously creamy texture we all love.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic aroma with a concentrated punch.
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fragrant, fresh herb finish for plating and flavor.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook it until just al dente, which usually means firm yet tender to the bite—perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta but be sure to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s pure gold for finishing your sauce with the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, get started on the chicken. Season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano—you want layers of flavor seeping in. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken breasts, cooking each side for about 6 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown with mouthwatering sear marks and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest, then slice it thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet—no need to dirty another pan, yay!—add the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of that reserved pasta water, scraping up all those tasty browned bits left from the chicken. Let everything simmer gently for a couple of minutes until the sauce reduces slightly, concentrating the flavors into a bright and garlicky base.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce
Next, add the butter to your skillet and stir it until melted and glossy. Pour in the heavy cream followed by garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to combine. Allow this creamy concoction to simmer and thicken for 3 to 4 minutes, which will give you that wonderful velvety texture. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper to make sure the flavors sing perfectly.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Now, toss your al dente bowtie pasta into the skillet with the lemon garlic Parmesan sauce, gently coating every piece in that luxurious creaminess. Add the sliced chicken on top and give everything a final gentle toss so the chicken mingles beautifully with the pasta. The result is a colorful, inviting dish with a perfect balance of citrus brightness, creamy richness, and tender chicken.
Step 6: Serve Your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Plate it up right away, garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness that complements the flavors wonderfully. And there you have it—a meal that looks as amazing as it tastes, ready to delight your family or guests!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley chopped finely and sprinkled on top add a refreshing pop of green and herbaceous brightness that elevates the dish visually and in flavor. A little extra sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving also never hurts if you’re feeling indulgent!
Side Dishes
This dish is beautiful on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus. The fresh vegetables add vibrant color and a contrasting crunch that beautifully balances the creaminess of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic vibe or use elegant dinner plates for a dinner party-ready look. You can drizzle a tiny bit more lemon juice on top just before serving to refresh the citrus punch, or sprinkle a few crushed red pepper flakes on the side for guests who like a subtle kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe is just as delicious the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so a quick stir and slight reheating will bring it back to life.
Freezing
While pasta tends to be a bit soft after freezing and thawing, you can freeze this dish if needed. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwaving in short bursts with stirring in between also works perfectly to evenly warm up the dish without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or any other pasta you have on hand. The recipe is quite flexible.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
How can I add spice to the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or as a garnish adds a nice subtle heat that lifts the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply replace the bowtie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and ensure all seasonings and ingredients used are gluten-free certified.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for this dish?
Once cooked and rested, slice the chicken thinly against the grain. This technique ensures the meat remains tender and easy to eat, perfectly complementing the creamy pasta.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, bright, and comforting all at once, striking a beautiful balance that feels both fresh and indulgent. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to make after a busy day and elegant enough for sharing with friends and family. Cooking this recipe always puts a smile on my face, and I’m excited for you to experience that same joy!
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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is a bright, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic sauce and creamy Parmesan-infused bowtie pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple weeknight meal that balances fresh citrus notes with rich creaminess for a delightful experience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 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. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Once cooled, slice it thinly against the grain.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Make the Pasta Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top and give everything a gentle final toss to incorporate.
- Serve: Serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy your flavorful and creamy dish!
- Optional Substitutions and Tips: You may substitute bowtie pasta with penne or fusilli. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a lighter variation, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Do not burn garlic to avoid bitterness in sauce.
- For extra flavor, fresh herbs like basil or parsley work great as garnish.
- Substitutions like gluten-free pasta or lighter dairy options can easily adapt this recipe for dietary preferences.
