Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a quick and delicious dish combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked with garlic, lemon zest, and paprika, all tossed with al dente bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy one-skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a bright citrus flavor balanced with creamy comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Lemon: Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the lemon garlic chicken bites to the skillet, mixing them into the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to your taste preference for more or less tang.
- For a healthier option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish can be prepared ahead; keep pasta and sauce separate before combining to maintain texture.
