Description

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate quick dinner idea that balances rich, creamy comfort with a refreshing citrusy kick. Tender chicken bites are seared to golden perfection and coated in a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce that clings to every curl of bowtie pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you’re craving easy recipes with big flavor. If you’re searching for new food ideas, healthy-ish indulgence, or satisfying dinner ideas that don’t take hours, this one’s a winner.

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

8 oz bowtie pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

3 cloves garlic minced

1 lemon juiced and zested

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Optionally, add lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

3. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 7–9 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice and zest.

5. Pour in heavy cream, simmer 2–3 minutes, then stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth.

6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Return chicken to the pan and stir to combine.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as desired. Serve immediately with extra cheese if you like.

Notes

Let the cream come to room temperature before adding to the pan to avoid curdling.

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most natural flavor.

Don’t forget to save pasta water — it helps make the sauce silky and smooth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 610
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 480
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 14
Unsaturated Fat: 11
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 48
Fiber: 3
Protein: 38
Cholesterol: 120

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, creamy pasta, quick dinner, chicken pasta recipe, bowtie pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food