Oh, you have to try this! Let me tell you, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta has saved me on more weeknights than I can count. I remember the first time I made it. I was so stressed, rushing home from work, trying to figure out what to make for dinner with practically nothing in the fridge. I threw some chicken in a pan, grabbed a lemon, and suddenly, this amazing dish was born! The bright, zesty flavor just cut through the chaos of the day.
It’s funny, because at first, I was a little intimidated by the idea of making a creamy sauce. I always thought it was complicated, but this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is seriously so easy! My “aha” moment came when I realized you didn’t need a ton of fancy ingredients – just a few simple things and a little bit of love.
Now, it’s a total family favorite. The kids gobble it up, and honestly, I love it just as much as they do. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something quick, satisfying, and that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. Trust me, with the delightful taste of Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta, it’ll become a family favorite in your home too. I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta. Come on, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish. Fresh ingredients are key to maximizing the flavors, especially the lemon and garlic. Using high-quality Parmesan cheese can also make a noticeable difference in the creaminess and taste of the sauce.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
I always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta; it makes such a difference in the brightness of the flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare. When making Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta, you can find good quality Parmesan cheese at almost any grocery store, but try to get the kind you have to grate yourself. It melts so much better!
Here’s a Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta trick I learned from my mom: add a tiny pinch of sugar to the sauce. It balances out the acidity of the lemon and really brings out the other flavors. For busy families making Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta, you can definitely use pre-cut chicken. It saves time, and honestly, it tastes just as good.
To save some money, I like to buy chicken breasts in bulk when they’re on sale and then freeze them in individual portions. That way, I always have some on hand for this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta or other quick dinners. Leftover parsley can be stored in the fridge, wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag, for up to a week. It’s perfect for sprinkling on top of the Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta when you serve it!
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Each step is designed to ensure maximum flavor and a perfectly creamy sauce. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your personal preference.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, you can get started on the chicken and sauce. Make sure to salt the pasta water – it really does make a difference!
- While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary for the best browning. I learned the hard way with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta that overcrowding the pan leads to steamed, not browned, chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! I learned that lesson the hard way with a slightly bitter batch of Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those little bits are packed with flavor! This is where the magic of the lemon garlic pasta sauce really starts.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Your Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta should smell like a little piece of heaven right about now.
- Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Make sure everything is nicely coated in that delicious lemon garlic pasta sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. I like to add a little extra lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor to my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta.
In my kitchen, Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal. While the Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is cooking, I usually chop up a quick salad or steam some broccoli to serve on the side. It makes a complete and healthy meal. Don’t worry if your Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta sauce seems a little thin at first. It will thicken up as it simmers and coats the pasta.
A family-tested shortcut: use a rotisserie chicken! Shred it and add it to the sauce for a super-fast version of this Chicken bowtie pasta recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to serve guests, here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.
- The kids love our Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta when I serve it with a side of garlic bread. They love dipping the bread into the creamy sauce!
- My go-to side dish is a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta perfectly.
- This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also fancy enough to serve to guests. I’ve made it for casual get-togethers, and it’s always a hit!
For presentation, I like to arrange the Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta in a serving bowl and top it with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. A lemon wedge on the side adds a nice touch. If you have extra Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta, it’s delicious reheated the next day for lunch. Just add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
I’ve tried a few seasonal variations of this dish. In the fall, I like to add roasted butternut squash to the Easy chicken pasta dinner. In the spring, asparagus is a great addition.
My friends always ask for this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta recipe when I make it for them. They can’t believe how easy it is! Here is a similar Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta (Bowties or Farfalle) I found for you to try if you would like to try another variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making **Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta**, along with tips and tricks to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Bowtie pasta is my favorite, but penne, fettuccine, or even rotini would work great. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions. You know what I do when my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is running low but I have tons of sauce? I throw in some extra cooked pasta!
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. If you do use milk, I recommend adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken it. I learned that the hard way when I tried to make a healthier version of Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve. You might need to add a little extra chicken broth or milk when reheating to loosen the sauce. I do this all the time when I’m meal prepping for the week, so I can have some delicious Creamy chicken pasta on hand.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: I don’t recommend freezing it, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed. However, the leftovers are delicious reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. I once tried freezing Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta, and it just wasn’t the same. The texture was off.
Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. I always keep cornstarch on hand for this very reason when making the Lemon garlic pasta sauce.
Q: My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it?
A: Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin the sauce out. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired consistency. I add the liquid a tablespoon at a time. It is easier to add more than to take out! The key to a good sauce for your Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is to maintain the right consistency.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Definitely! Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and sun-dried tomatoes are all great additions. Just add them to the skillet when you add the chicken. My family is big on adding spinach into pasta, and they loved my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta with spinach. For more inspiration, check out this delicious looking Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta – Pumpkin ‘N Spice.
My Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that even on the busiest days, you can still create something delicious and satisfying for your family. It’s so simple, but it always delivers.
My Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice! It makes all the difference in the flavor.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Some variations I’ve tried include adding sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor, using shrimp instead of chicken for a pescatarian option, or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. The Easy chicken pasta dinner is incredibly versatile. The kids prefer the classic version, but I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. My oldest loves when I add mushrooms, while my youngest prefers it plain!
I really hope you try this Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a dish that your family will love. You can also check out this similar creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe that is equally as simple and delicious!
I hope you create a Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta dish that your family will love as much as mine does! You can also try adding a delicious sauce from this chicken shawarma creamy garlic sauce recipe to your dish. You can do the same with a creamy garlic butter lobster tails. I can’t wait to hear what you think of my Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta, so go ahead and give it a try! You will love the delicious Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta, and it will become one of your family favorites! I have no doubt that your home will smell amazing, and I wish you the best of luck!
Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal bursting with bright, zesty flavors. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta are tossed in a luscious lemon garlic cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a beautiful presentation. You can also add some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach, for extra nutrients.