If you’ve ever wanted to impress someone with dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is the dish. It’s everything you want in a comfort meal — juicy, golden chicken chunks kissed with lemon and garlic, sitting beside buttery bowtie pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. I make this often when I want something rich but bright, comforting yet fresh. The kind of dish that makes people close their eyes on the first bite.

I was inspired to create this after craving something that felt like a warm hug but still had a zing of flavor. Lemon and garlic are a powerful pair, and when paired with perfectly seared chicken and velvety cream sauce, they turn ordinary pasta into a weeknight masterpiece. It’s simple, yes, but tastes like something you’d order at a cozy bistro. And the best part? It’s ready in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Quick and easy: You don’t need a culinary degree to pull this off. Just a skillet, a pot, and a good appetite.
Balanced flavor: The citrus cuts through the richness, making each bite addictive but not heavy.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids, picky eaters, dinner guests — this one never fails.
Meal-prep friendly: Makes fantastic leftovers, and it reheats like a dream.
Customizable: Want to add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms? Go for it.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. They cook quickly, soak up the lemon-garlic marinade beautifully, and sear to golden perfection. But if you’re a fan of darker meat, boneless thighs work just as well — they’re juicier and a bit more forgiving when it comes to cooking time. I always cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking, which helps it cook faster and more evenly while letting every piece get a nice caramelized edge.

You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even rotisserie in a pinch. Just toss it into the pan with the garlic-lemon butter to rewarm and flavor it before mixing it into the pasta.

Options for Substitutions

Chicken: Swap with shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu if you’re going meatless.
Pasta: Bowtie (farfalle) works great, but penne, rotini, or fettuccine will all do the job beautifully.
Cream: No heavy cream? Try half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but asiago or pecorino bring in bold, salty character too.
Lemon juice: Fresh is best, but bottled works if that’s what you’ve got. Just be sure to taste and adjust.
Garlic: You can use garlic paste or powder in a pinch, but fresh minced garlic gives the best depth of flavor.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Chicken breast
This is the star of the dish — tender, juicy, and full of flavor once seared with lemon and garlic.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
These cute little pasta shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, giving each bite the right balance of pasta and richness.

Lemon juice and zest
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and a bit of tang, while the zest deepens that citrusy aroma without extra acidity.

Fresh garlic
Minced garlic is what gives the dish its warm, savory depth and signature flavor.

Heavy cream
This forms the base of our luscious sauce — rich, smooth, and absolutely indulgent.

Parmesan cheese
Melted into the sauce, it adds saltiness, body, and that irresistible cheesy pull.

Butter
Used to cook the garlic and help create a velvety sauce.

Olive oil
For searing the chicken and layering in that golden, crispy exterior.

Fresh parsley
It brings color, freshness, and just a hint of herbaceousness to cut through the richness.

Red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a gentle kick of heat — totally optional, but highly recommended.

Salt and black pepper
The basics — essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta water just right.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, toss them with salt, black pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Optionally, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear for about 5–7 minutes, turning to cook all sides until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then slowly mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce, along with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it up. Toss everything to coat evenly. Return the chicken to the pan and gently mix to bring the dish together.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you like.

How Long to Cook the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

This dish is quick from start to finish — perfect for a weeknight meal or when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying:

Pasta: 10–12 minutes to cook until al dente.
Chicken: About 7–9 minutes to sear and cook through.
Sauce & Assembly: 8–10 minutes, including simmering and mixing.

Total cook time: Around 25–30 minutes, depending on your pace and stove.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Sear, don’t steam: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding chicken. This ensures a nice golden crust without overcooking the meat.
Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice tends to taste flat. Fresh lemons make all the difference.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Pull it when it’s just al dente — it’ll finish slightly in the sauce.
Add cheese gradually: This helps the sauce stay creamy and smooth, avoiding clumps.
Reserve pasta water: That starchy water is liquid gold. It loosens the sauce without making it runny.
Taste and adjust: Before serving, always taste for salt, pepper, and acidity. A splash more lemon can wake it all up.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the pan: If you crowd the skillet when cooking chicken, it’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Sauté it gently over medium heat — never high.
Skipping the lemon zest: It adds vibrant citrusy aroma without sourness. Don’t leave it out!
Adding cheese too fast: Dumping all the Parmesan at once can make the sauce clump. Stir in slowly over low heat.
Using cold cream: Let the cream come to room temperature before adding to prevent it from splitting.
Neglecting pasta water: Forgetting to reserve pasta water can leave your sauce too thick or gluey.

What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and perfect for sopping up the extra sauce on your plate.

Arugula Salad

A peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds crunch, fiber, and a bit of char that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Lemon Asparagus

Bright, snappy asparagus with lemon keeps the whole meal feeling fresh.

A Glass of White Wine

Something crisp like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio makes a lovely pairing.

Caprese Skewers

Light and colorful — a fun side that’s easy to prep and packed with fresh flavor.

Citrus Fruit Salad

Great for a refreshing finish or to serve alongside, especially in warmer months.

Marinated Cucumbers

Cool, tangy cucumbers cut through the richness and add texture to the plate.

Storage Instructions

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta stores surprisingly well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing: Not recommended. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and turn grainy when frozen and thawed.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~610
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Cholesterol: 120mg

These values are approximate and will vary based on portion size and ingredient brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of bowtie pasta?

You can swap it with penne, rotini, fettuccine, or even spaghetti. Just choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes — substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheese element.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, then store them separately. Reheat and combine with fresh sauce just before serving.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer or add a little more cheese. If needed, a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch slurry can help tighten it up.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just shred it and toss it into the sauce after it’s made. It’s a great shortcut when you’re short on time.

Does this freeze well?

Not really. Because it has a cream-based sauce, freezing can cause separation. Best to enjoy fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

How do I add more veggies?

Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini right after cooking the chicken — they blend beautifully with the flavors.

Is this spicy?

Only mildly if you include the red pepper flakes. You can omit them for a kid-friendly version or double up if you like heat.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is one of those recipes that feels both effortless and impressive. It hits all the right notes — savory, zesty, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for dinner, this dish delivers comfort with a touch of elegance. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your rotation. It definitely did in mine.