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This classic Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta combines bright citrus notes with rich, velvety sauce. Tender chicken breast is seasoned with fresh lemon and garlic, then served over perfectly cooked farfalle pasta in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce. The result is an elevated yet approachable dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen.
After years of refining this recipe, it's become a reliable favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of familiar ingredients creates something truly memorable.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken: Select uniform, boneless breasts for even cooking
- Fresh Lemons: Both zest and juice add essential brightness
- Fresh Garlic: Whole cloves provide the best flavor
- Farfalle Pasta: The bow-tie shape holds sauce beautifully
- Heavy Cream: Creates the foundation of the rich sauce
- Parmesan: Fresh-grated cheese adds depth
Preparation Method
- Marinate:
- Season chicken with lemon, garlic and herbs to infuse flavors
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil farfalle in salted water until al dente, saving some pasta water
- Cook Chicken:
- Pan-sear until golden outside and juicy inside
- Make Sauce:
- Start with aromatics, then build creamy Parmesan sauce
- Combine:
- Toss pasta in sauce and top with sliced chicken
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Fresh lemon zest is crucial for layering citrus flavor throughout the dish. Adding it to both marinade and sauce creates depth that elevates the entire recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Complete the meal with tender roasted asparagus or a simple arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette.
Recipe Variations
Try adding sautéed mushrooms for earthy notes or incorporate fresh spinach into the sauce for color and nutrients.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, stir in a little cream to refresh the sauce.
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta showcases how basic ingredients can create exceptional results. The contrast between bright citrus and rich cream produces a balanced, satisfying dish that's both elegant and comforting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the pasta for another kind?
- Absolutely! Use whichever type you like—penne, spaghetti, or anything in your pantry.
- → What should I do if my sauce gets too thick?
- Just stir in a little reserved pasta water until the sauce has the consistency you want.
- → Can I use chicken that’s already cooked?
- Totally! Leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly—just heat it in the sauce.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for about three days. Reheat gently with some cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
- → What’s a lighter way to make this recipe?
- You can switch out the heavy cream for half-and-half. Just note the sauce won’t be as rich or thick.