why make this recipe
This dish brings bright lemon and garlic flavor to tender chicken and a rich, creamy pasta sauce. It cooks fast and fills a dinner plate with comforting taste. The meal works for a weeknight or a simple weekend supper.
introduction
This recipe is easy to follow and uses common ingredients. If you like creamy pasta with tasty chicken, you will enjoy this. For a similar twist with bold spice, try this creamy garlic butter Cajun chicken bowtie pasta for ideas on seasoning and texture.
how to make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta and making the chicken and sauce in one skillet to save time and dishes. Work in steps: cook pasta, brown the chicken with lemon and garlic, make the creamy sauce, then combine. For another creamy chicken pasta idea with a different noodle and a garlic-parmesan twist, see this creamy Cajun chicken rotini with garlic parmesan sauce.
Ingredients :
11⁄4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, Zest of 1 lemon, Juice of 1⁄2 lemon, 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika, Salt & black pepper, to taste, 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta, 2 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup heavy cream, 1⁄2 cup chicken broth, 3 oz cream cheese, softened, 3⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional), 1⁄2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed), Fresh parsley (for garnish), Extra Parmesan (for garnish), Lemon slices (for garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1⁄2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Lemon Garlic Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Stir in garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss to coat, then remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine: Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return lemon garlic chicken to the skillet and gently mix. Add pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish: Plate the pasta warm, garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a light squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
how to serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Serve hot on plates or in a large bowl. Add extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top. Offer lemon slices on the side for guests who want more brightness. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well.
how to store Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Cool the leftover pasta to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze the dish; the cream sauce can separate when frozen and thawed.
tips to make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
- Dry chicken strips with a paper towel before seasoning to get a nice brown color.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Save the pasta water; a little starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust salt and lemon at the end to balance creaminess and brightness.
- If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water until you reach the texture you like.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables: stir in peas, spinach, or roasted asparagus for color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Swap pasta: use penne, rotini, or fettuccine in place of bowtie pasta.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Use boneless skinless thighs and cook until they reach 165°F. They may take a few minutes longer.
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Add a bit more cream cheese or reduce the sauce to thicken.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from breaking when reheating?
A: Reheat slowly over low heat and add a little pasta water or milk. Stir gently until warm.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: It is hard to keep the same creamy texture without dairy. You can try coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, but the flavor will change.
Q: How long does the cooked dish last in the fridge?
A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Conclusion
If you want another take on lemony creamy chicken pasta, check this detailed recipe for ideas on flavor balance and technique: Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta – Dishing Out Health
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Stir in garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss to coat, then remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently.
- Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Return lemon garlic chicken to the skillet and gently mix.
- Add pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Plate the pasta warm, garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a light squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.