why make this recipe
This dish mixes creamy pasta and bright lemon chicken. It cooks fast and fills the table with simple, bold flavors. If you enjoy creamy pasta with a kick, try this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini for another easy dinner idea.
introduction
Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken pairs soft bowtie pasta with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and bright lemon garlic chicken. The sauce is smooth and cheesy. The chicken adds freshness and a touch of tang. This meal works for weeknights or a small dinner with friends.
how to make Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
Follow a few clear steps: cook the pasta, brown the chicken and add lemon and garlic, make the cream sauce in the same pan, then combine pasta and chicken. Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it feels thick. Finish with parsley and extra Parmesan for color and more flavor.
Ingredients :
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (for chicken)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken)
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Lemon Garlic Chicken – Season chicken strips with paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest; cook 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, and add reserved pasta water if you want a slightly thinner sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Chicken – Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return chicken strips to the skillet, folding them gently into the pasta.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish – Plate creamy bowtie pasta with zesty lemon garlic chicken on top. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon slices for a bright, fresh touch.
how to serve Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
Serve warm on plates or in a shallow bowl. Add extra grated Parmesan and a lemon slice for each plate. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well. For bread, try garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
how to store Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to bring back sauce creaminess. Do not freeze the dish with the cream sauce; texture may change.
tips to make Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente holds up best in the sauce.
- Save the pasta water to loosen the sauce; it helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Cook chicken over medium-high heat so it browns but stays juicy.
- For a spicy twist, compare ideas from Creamy Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta and adapt the heat to your taste.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables: peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes work great.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but reduce simmer time to avoid thinning.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or capers for briny bite.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Penne, rotini, or shells all work well with this sauce.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try a dairy-free cream and dairy-free Parmesan, but the texture and taste will change.
Q: How do I keep the chicken juicy?
A: Do not overcook. Cook on medium-high to brown fast, then remove from heat once the inside is no longer pink.
Q: Can I prep ahead?
A: Cook chicken and pasta ahead, store separately, then make sauce and combine when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This simple, tasty meal brings creamy pasta and bright lemon chicken together in one pan. For another lemony chicken pasta idea and extra tips, see Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta – Dishing Out Health.
Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season chicken strips with paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest, and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add reserved pasta water if you want a slightly thinner sauce.
- Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Return chicken strips to the skillet, folding them gently into the pasta.
- Plate creamy bowtie pasta with zesty lemon garlic chicken on top.
- Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon slices for a bright, fresh touch.