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Creamy parmesan bowtie pasta with lemon garlic chicken on a plate

Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken

A delicious combination of creamy Parmesan pasta and bright lemon garlic chicken, perfect for weeknights or dinner with friends.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 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)
  • 1 large lemon, juice and zest
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • to taste Salt & black pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 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)
  • to taste Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • to taste Lemon slices (optional garnish)
  • to taste Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)

Method
 

Cook the Bowtie Pasta
  1. 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.
Cook the Lemon Garlic Chicken
  1. Season chicken strips with paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
  2. 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.
  3. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  2. Add heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.
  3. Season with salt and pepper, and add reserved pasta water if you want a slightly thinner sauce.
Combine Pasta & Chicken
  1. Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
  2. Return chicken strips to the skillet, folding them gently into the pasta.
Serve & Garnish
  1. Plate creamy bowtie pasta with zesty lemon garlic chicken on top.
  2. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon slices for a bright, fresh touch.

Notes

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, adapt the heat to your taste.