If you want a meal that tastes like a trip to a sunny Italian trattoria—all in under 30 minutes—look no further than this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta. Juicy, golden chicken meets vibrant lemon and mellowed garlic, tossing together with silky cream, plenty of Parmesan, and those ever-charming farfalle noodles. It’s bright, comforting, and showstoppingly delicious, whether for a weeknight or special dinner. This is one chicken pasta recipe you’ll crave again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is how a handful of common ingredients create something so crave-worthy. Each brings a burst of flavor, texture, or gorgeous color to Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta. Here’s why every component matters:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender chicken soaks up all the zesty garlic-lemon sauce and adds hearty protein to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Rich and fruity, olive oil is key for searing the chicken golden brown and bathing the pasta in flavor.
- Garlic: Four cloves deliver that punchy, aromatic backbone—don’t skimp if you’re a garlic lover!
- Lemon (juice & zest): Both the zest and juice lend irresistible brightness, making each bite pop.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The basics; they do the heavy lifting to amp up and balance every flavor note.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch of heat that perfectly complements the creamy, citrusy sauce.
- Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta: Those cute, frilly noodles not only look fun—they hold the silky sauce beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese creates the foundation of the velvety sauce. Freshly grated if you can!
- Heavy Cream: Just enough to smooth out the sauce and gild everything with richness.
- Butter: Added at the end for glossy, luxurious texture and a subtle depth.
- Fresh Parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that finishes the dish with color and a hint of herbaceousness.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your farfalle. Cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—remember, they’ll soak up some sauce later! Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This little trick helps emulsify and loosen the sauce so every bite of pasta gets coated in that lemony, cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Sear and Season the Chicken
While the pasta does its thing, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick. Let the chicken sit undisturbed for a couple minutes to develop a gorgeous golden crust, then stir and cook until fully cooked through—usually about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Lemon, and Aromatics
Now, the magic happens! Add the minced garlic and stir it around for about a minute, just until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, letting the citrusy aroma lift from the pan. It’s an instant pick-me-up and truly the soul of Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then add the butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Stir everything together, letting the cheese melt into a silky, glossy sauce that hugs the chicken. If it seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is reached—it should glisten and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Toss Together and Garnish
Add the drained bowtie pasta right into the skillet and toss to coat each pasta shape with the lemony, cheesy sauce. Finish with a shower of bright parsley for a pop of green. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta straight from the skillet, steaming and fragrant.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley make this dish picture-perfect. If you crave even more zest, a final scatter of fresh lemon zest over the top elevates both flavor and presentation. For a subtle heat and color contrast, dust with a pinch of red pepper flakes right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines alongside simple sides that let its flavors sing. Try a crisp, garlicky green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some oven-roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce (and trust me, you’ll want to).
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta in a shallow, wide bowl for elegant family-style dining or plate it up with a lemon wedge and a tower of parmesan curls for something extra. For a refreshing twist, mix in a handful of baby spinach or scatter sun-dried tomatoes through the pasta right before serving—beautiful and utterly delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the pasta cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and tasty for up to three days. The pasta may absorb a bit of sauce, but it gets even more flavorful overnight.
Freezing
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta can be frozen, though the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to two months. If possible, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for even reheating and better texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat the pasta gently in a skillet or saucepan over low heat. Add a spoonful of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce and stir until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but a stovetop reheat keeps everything creamy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a little juicier and more forgiving if you tend to overcook chicken. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions for a slightly richer flavor.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, and use a little less Parmesan if you like. The sauce will be a tad less rich but still absolutely delicious and satisfying.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the bowties. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so this swap works perfectly without missing any flavors!
Can Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta be made vegetarian?
You sure can! Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or canned chickpeas for a plant-based spin. The lemony, garlicky parmesan sauce pairs beautifully with vegetables too.
What other add-ins taste great with this pasta?
There’s plenty of room to riff: toss in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, or even fresh basil for an extra layer of color and flavor. This dish is wonderfully flexible!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sure-to-please dinner with bright, fresh flavors, creamy comfort, and a hint of elegance, you simply can’t go wrong with Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—this pasta is about to become a beloved regular at your table!
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is a delicious and creamy pasta dish with tender chicken pieces cooked in a lemony garlic sauce, tossed with Parmesan cheese, and topped with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and cooked through. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in lemon juice and zest, reduce heat, add butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and combined.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat, using reserved pasta water as needed. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
