Sizzling Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken with Silky Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Bright and tangy zesty lemon garlic chicken dances through culinary comfort, creating a flavor symphony that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Tender chicken breasts marinate in a vibrant blend of citrus and herbs, promising bold and delectable results.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of zesty notes and rich garlic undertones.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse the dish with depth and character.

The silky bowtie pasta provides a delightful canvas for the succulent chicken.

Crisp parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese add the final flourish to this mouthwatering creation.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal that comes together with surprising ease.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base that absorbs zesty flavors beautifully, choose fresh and plump cuts.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that tenderizes and adds vibrant tang, select ripe, firm lemons.
• Lemon Zest: Intense citrus essence that elevates overall flavor profile, use microplane for fine zesting.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses deep savory notes, opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced.
• Oregano: Herbaceous Mediterranean seasoning that brings earthy undertones, choose dried or fresh.
• Paprika: Warm spice adding subtle smokiness and beautiful color, select high-quality Hungarian variety.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and intensifies seasonings, use kosher or sea salt.
• Black Pepper: Sharp spice providing gentle heat, freshly ground delivers maximum flavor.

• Bowtie Pasta: Playful pasta shape that catches creamy sauce perfectly, choose high-quality durum wheat.
• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation for sauce, select unsalted for better flavor control.
• Onion: Aromatic base that provides subtle sweetness, choose yellow or white varieties.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious sauce thickener creating silky texture, select high-fat content cream.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese adding depth and saltiness, use freshly grated.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish offering fresh herbal finish, select vibrant, crisp leaves.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for searing chicken, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Salt an.

Tools That Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Pasta

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and making the creamy sauce, with even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken, zesting lemon, and chopping onions and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise cutting and chopping ingredients.
• Pot: For boiling and cooking bowtie pasta perfectly.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing marinade ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring sauce and pasta in the skillet.
• Colander: Drains pasta after cooking.

Cook Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta at Home

• Marinate Chicken

Splash zesty lemon juice and aromatic garlic all over chicken breasts. Sprinkle herbs and spices to infuse bold flavors. Let the chicken soak up the deliciousness for about 15 minutes.

• Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat up a skillet with olive oil and carefully cook chicken until each side turns beautifully golden brown. The meat should be thoroughly cooked and juicy. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

• Boil Pasta Ribbons

Drop bowtie pasta into salted boiling water. Cook until tender and perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside, ready to meet its creamy companion.

• Create Velvety Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and gently saute onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic for an extra flavor punch. Pour in rich heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer and develop deep, luxurious flavors. Toss cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring every ribbon gets coated.

• Plate and Garnish

Slice the chicken into beautiful strips and nestle them on top of the creamy pasta. Shower the dish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Tips That Add Flavor to Your Lemon Chicken Pasta

• Let chicken soak up marinade in a sealed plastic bag for even flavor distribution and minimal cleanup.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior with perfect caramelization.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy richness.
• Add roasted asparagus, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra nutrition and color complexity.
• Substitute bowtie pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the delicious lemon garlic flavor profile.

Serve This Chicken Pasta for Weeknight Dinner or Guests

• Zesty Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this lemon garlic chicken with creamy pasta becomes a delightful centerpiece that sparks conversation and creates memorable moments.
• Mediterranean Lunch Pairing: Complement the dish with a crisp greek salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables to enhance the lemony flavors and add nutritious side options that balance the creamy pasta.
• Wine and Dine Experience: Select a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the richness of the cream sauce and elevate the overall dining experience with refreshing citrus undertones.
• Leftovers Transformation: Repurpose remaining chicken and pasta into a cold pasta salad by adding fresh herbs, extra lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil for a delicious next-day lunch option.

Store Leftover Pasta for a Flavor-Packed Lunch

• Slice and store chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Keep prepared dish refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring optimal taste and food safety when sealed properly.
• Freeze sauce and chicken individually in freezer-safe containers for quick future meals, lasting up to 2 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Gently warm chicken and pasta in microwave or skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and original delicious taste.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter sauce. If you want fewer calories, use less butter and cheese.

• How can I tell if my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be white with no pink areas.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute regular bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients like spices are certified gluten-free.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken With Silky Bowtie Pasta

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Zesty lemon, tender chicken, and rich cream sauce create a comforting meal that satisfies hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 300 g (10 oz) bowtie pasta
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Marination: Blend lemon juice, zest, crushed garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade for chicken breasts. Immerse chicken and let flavors meld for 15-20 minutes.
2. Chicken Preparation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Sear marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let rest momentarily.
3. Pasta Cooking: Bring salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid for potential sauce modification.
4. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and briefly stir to release aromatic essence.
5. Cream Fusion: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, incorporating freshly grated Parmesan and remaining lemon zest. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to harmonize.
6. Final Assembly: Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Slice chicken into elegant strips and position atop the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and an additional Parmesan sprinkle.

Notes

Marinate Mindfully: Allow chicken to soak in lemon-garlic mixture for at least 15 minutes, but avoid exceeding 30 minutes to prevent the acid from breaking down protein fibers and making meat tough.

Sear with Precision: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and ensure it’s properly heated before adding chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without burning the marinade’s delicate flavors.

Pasta Perfection: Cook bowtie pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing, preventing a mushy texture and maintaining ideal pasta consistency.

Sauce Synchronization: Keep reserved pasta water handy to adjust sauce thickness, adding small amounts if the cream sauce becomes too dense, ensuring a silky, smooth coating for the pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg