Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of rich comfort food and refreshing citrus flavor. Tender chicken strips are sautéed with bold garlic notes, then simmered in a creamy lemon sauce and served over bowtie pasta. This dish is quick enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both satisfying and light, this easy recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
6. Add the lemon zest and juice, then simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for 2 minutes.
8. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Serve the pasta hot, straight from the skillet for best texture and flavor.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan for added freshness and richness.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Add garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy lemon sauce.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
• Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed and reheated.

Variations

1. Shrimp Instead of Chicken
Replace chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp for a seafood version. Sauté the shrimp in olive oil with garlic until pink and cooked through, then proceed with the sauce. Shrimp pairs wonderfully with lemon and garlic, adding a luxurious touch to the dish.

2. Add Fresh Vegetables
Incorporate vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. Add them to the skillet just before combining with the sauce. Spinach wilts quickly, while broccoli and asparagus can be lightly steamed or sautéed beforehand.

3. Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic while sautéing to give the dish a gentle heat. This enhances the flavor without overpowering the lemon garlic profile.

4. Use a Different Pasta
Swap bowtie pasta for penne, rotini, or linguine depending on preference or availability. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well for dietary needs.

5. Lighten It Up
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories while still maintaining creaminess. Be sure to simmer gently to avoid curdling.

6. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a tangy and savory element that contrasts nicely with the lemon and cream.

7. Try Fresh Herbs
Enhance the dish with herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary. Add at the end of cooking for a fresh, aromatic lift.

8. Parmesan Alternatives
Substitute grated Romano or Asiago cheese for a slightly different flavor. These cheeses also melt well and add a bold, salty note.

9. Make It One-Pot
Cook the pasta directly in the sauce by adding extra broth and cream. Let the pasta absorb the flavors as it simmers, reducing cleanup and intensifying taste.

10. Add Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding liquids for a richer, earthier dish. Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are especially good choices.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately from the pasta and combine just before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and add it to the sauce in step 7 to heat through.

3. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Simmer the sauce gently and avoid high heat once the cream is added. Stir frequently and do not let it boil rapidly.

4. What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a mix of milk and butter can be used, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.

5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and replace it with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for protein and texture.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free.

7. How can I make the lemon flavor stronger?
Add extra lemon zest or a splash more lemon juice at the end of cooking to intensify the brightness without overpowering the sauce.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Just double all ingredients and use a large enough skillet or pot to handle the volume.

9. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
You can use Romano, Asiago, or a blend of Italian hard cheeses. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative for a cheesy flavor.

10. Why is my sauce too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen it. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).

Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a standout dish that combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the brightness of lemon and garlic. It’s a versatile, family-friendly recipe that delivers flavor and comfort in every bite. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is sure to impress.

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