Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish that combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious lemon garlic sauce tossed with al dente bowtie pasta. Infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of bright and savory flavors ideal for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled, slice the chicken thinly against the grain.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits left from cooking the chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Make the Pasta Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add the sliced chicken on top and give everything a final toss to combine well.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken immediately. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy your flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, fusilli, or any pasta of your choice.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify all seasonings are gluten-free.
