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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Juicy chicken, golden and garlicky, tossed with bowtie pasta in a creamy lemon-garlic sauce. Comforting yet refreshing—perfect for a weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
    • For the Chicken:
    • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into strips
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp butter
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • Salt & black pepper, to taste

 

  • For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta:
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken strips 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute). Stir in chicken broth and cream, simmering 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Toss pasta with the sauce. Return chicken to the skillet and coat everything in sauce.
  6. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for variation.
  • Use light cream, evaporated milk, or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
  • Add spinach, broccoli, or roasted asparagus for extra veggies.
  • Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
  • Pairs beautifully with garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-Seared & Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 690
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken pasta, creamy pasta, bowtie pasta, weeknight dinner