Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

 

🍋 Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a zesty, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken, al dente bowtie pasta (also called farfalle), and a vibrant lemon garlic cream sauce. It's the perfect balance of richness and brightness—hearty enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.

In this recipe, we’ll walk through everything you need to make this dish a standout success—from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the sauce, and even some creative variations.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

• Water (enough to boil)

• Salt (1 tbsp for pasta water)

For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, thyme, basil)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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🍽️ Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Large skillet or sauté pan (for cooking chicken and sauce)

• Tongs or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Zester or fine grater

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Lemon juicer (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Trim the Chicken: Use a sharp knife to remove any fat or sinew from the chicken breasts.

2. Season: Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pat the seasonings into the chicken to help them adhere.

3. Optional Marination Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Sear: Add the chicken to the hot pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F or 74°C).

3. Rest: Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to retain juices.

4. Slice or Dice: Once rested, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized chunks.

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Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

2. Add Pasta: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions (usually 10–12 minutes) until al dente.

3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water—this can be used to adjust sauce consistency later.

4. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In the same skillet used for chicken (wipe out excess oil if necessary), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

2. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Do not burn!

3. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Let it bubble for a few seconds.

4. Deglaze with Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

5. Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (optional), and Italian seasoning.

7. Thicken Slightly: Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2–4 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. If too thin, simmer a bit longer.

8. Add Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan. The cheese will melt and thicken the sauce.

9. Taste and Adjust: Add more lemon, salt, or pepper to suit your taste.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add Pasta to Sauce: Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.

2. Add Chicken: Return sliced chicken to the pan, stirring gently to combine.

3. Heat Through: Cook for 1–2 more minutes to warm everything and allow flavors to meld.

4. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

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🧠 Pro Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

• Dry chicken ruins the dish. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

• Letting the chicken rest before slicing ensures juiciness.

2. Use Fresh Lemon

• Bottled lemon juice can taste bitter or metallic. Fresh lemons add brightness and depth.

3. Reserve Pasta Water

• This starchy water helps the sauce stick to pasta and improves the texture.

4. Grate Your Own Cheese

• Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

5. Balance the Flavors

• Taste before serving. Add lemon for more zing, cream for richness, or cheese for saltiness.

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🍷 Wine Pairing Suggestions

• White Wines: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the lemony sauce.

• Non-Alcoholic Options: Try sparkling water with lemon or a citrus herbal iced tea.

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🥗 Serving Suggestions

Pair your Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta with:

• Garlic Bread or Focaccia

• Simple Green Salad (with vinaigrette)

• Steamed Asparagus or Roasted Broccoli

• Grilled Zucchini or Summer Squash

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🧊 Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to rehydrate the sauce.

• Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

• This pasta freezes moderately well. Let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

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🔄 Variations and Customizations

Protein Swaps:

• Shrimp: Cook quickly in garlic butter and add to the pasta.

• Grilled Salmon: Flaky and rich, pairs well with lemon.

• Tofu or Tempeh: Marinate in lemon and herbs, then pan-fry for a vegetarian option.

Add-Ins:

• Spinach or Kale: Add toward the end of cooking for extra greens.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add depth and a touch of sweetness.

• Capers or Olives: For a briny, Mediterranean twist.

• Mushrooms: Sauté before adding cream for earthiness.

Make It Spicier:

• Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Make It Creamier:

• Add more cream or stir in a spoonful of mascarpone cheese.

Make It Lighter:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese slightly.

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📖 Nutritional Information (Per Serving Estimate)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~620

• Protein: 40g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 30g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 600mg

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📝 Final Thoughts

Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. Whether you're cooking for guests or just feeding your family, it's satisfying, flavorful, and versatile. The lemon-garlic cream sauce strikes the perfect chord between tangy and savory, while the bowtie pasta offers great texture and visual appeal.

You can play with the core ingredients endlessly—changing proteins, upping the veggies, or adjusting the spice level to your liking. And best of all? It all comes together in under an hour.

So the next time you’re craving something comforting yet fresh, pull out your skillet and give this recipe a try. You’ll end up with a dish that’s both elegant and easy—a win for any cook.