Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant lemon, and garlicky flavors served over al dente bowtie pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasions.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 whisk
- 1 tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 zest lemon
- 1 juice lemon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the sauce until well coated. Add the sliced chicken and stir to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth.
Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before slicing to maintain its juiciness.