Description
A delicious and creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Bowtie Pasta, featuring tender chicken strips sauteed with fresh garlic and zesty lemon, tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines comfort and freshness for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Lemon: Add minced garlic and lemon zest to the skillet with the chicken, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in fresh lemon juice, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetable boost, stir in fresh spinach or peas with the pasta before adding the sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter sauce.
- Grilled chicken can be used instead of sautéed for an extra layer of flavor.
