Food recipes banana bread recipe dinner ideas chocolate chip cookie recipe meatloaf recipe chili recipe pancake recipe french toast recipe lasagna recipe allrecipes chicken breast recipes alfredo sauce recipe beef stew recipe chicken recipes chicken salad recipe easy dinner ideas ground beef recipes mac and cheese recipe old fashioned recipe sugar cookie recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

by

Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is the perfect combination of zesty, creamy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts are served over farfalle pasta coated in a rich, garlicky lemon cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe is a weeknight hero, yet elegant enough for a special dinner!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

2. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

3. Cook the Pasta:

  • While the sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

5. Slice the Chicken:

  • Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.

6. Serve:

  • Plate the creamy pasta and top it with the sliced chicken.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
  • Extra Creaminess: For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter before adding the pasta.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

  • Calories: ~520 kcal
  • Protein: ~32 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~38 g
  • Fat: ~24 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

3. What other vegetables can I add?

Broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make great additions to this dish. Simply cook them in the skillet after the garlic.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a fresh, zesty twist. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish promises to impress. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Share your thoughts and favorite variations in the comments below!

Leave a Comment