Why Make This Recipe

Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines comforting pasta with tender chicken and a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family. The bright taste of lemon and the savory garlic add a wonderful touch that makes this dish shine. Plus, it’s easy to make and impressive to serve!

How to Make Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

Directions

1. Start by cooking the bowtie pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender. Once done, drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water.
2. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, then stir in lemon zest and juice. Add a tablespoon of butter to melt and coat the chicken.
5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter, pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and silky, seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss gently, and if needed, thin with reserved pasta water.
8. Fold in the lemon garlic chicken, mix, spoon onto plates, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

How to Serve Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan

Serve this delicious pasta warm, straight from the skillet. You can plate it individually or serve it family-style in a large bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top for extra flavor.

How to Store Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce creamy.

Tips to Make Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan

• Make sure to not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice to fit your taste; if you love lemon, feel free to add a bit more.
• For a little kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.

Variation

You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even grilled vegetables for a lighter, vegetarian version. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free bowtie pasta if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! While bowtie pasta is great, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fettuccine.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

To make it lighter, you can use less cream or substitute it with a lighter option like Greek yogurt. Reducing the amount of butter will help as well.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best to eat this dish fresh, but you can freeze it. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.