Name: Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Zest of 1 lemon; Salt & pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra to taste); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper, to taste; 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; ½ cup reserved pasta water; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish); Lemon wedges (optional garnish); Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)

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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta a tender strips of lemon-garlic chicken rest atop a silky bed of bowtie pasta, all coated in a rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce with a zesty citrus finish. This recipe blends the comfort of home-cooked pasta with restaurant-style flair, making it a perfect weeknight indulgence or weekend treat.

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt & pepper, to taste

2 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoon butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1½ cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 oz cream cheese, softened

Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra to taste)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

½ cup reserved pasta water

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges

Extra Parmesan

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to the package. Before draining, I reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to use later in the sauce.

Cook the Chicken:

I season the chicken strips with garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Then, I sear them in olive oil over medium-high heat for about 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. I set the chicken aside and keep it warm.

Make the Sauce:

Using the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then, I stir in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and add Parmesan, cream cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. I whisk until smooth and adjust with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta & Sauce:

Next, I toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, gently mixing to coat every piece. I use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.

Assemble & Serve:

I plate the creamy pasta, top it with the warm lemon garlic chicken, and finish with chopped parsley, more Parmesan, and fresh lemon wedges. It's best served immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: Approximately 800 kcal per serving

Variations

I like switching things up depending on what I have on hand:

Swap the Protein: I sometimes use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

Add Veggies: I’ve added spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

Use a Different Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti works just as well.

Lighten the Sauce: For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cream cheese.

Make it Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce and warm it gently over the stove or in the microwave. I avoid overheating, as the cream sauce can separate if it gets too hot.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

I always keep the heat on medium when adding lemon juice to the cream. Adding the juice slowly while whisking helps prevent curdling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. I reheat them gently and cook the pasta fresh right before serving.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use gluten-free pasta and double-check that my Parmesan and cream cheese are gluten-free to make the dish safe.

Can I freeze this recipe?

I don't recommend freezing cream-based pasta dishes, as the sauce tends to separate upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days from the fridge.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If I’m out of cream cheese, I’ve had success using mascarpone or a bit more Parmesan and cream to maintain the texture.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is one of those go-to meals I turn to when I want something comforting but not too heavy. The balance of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and rich cheese sauce makes it feel special without being fussy. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just craving something indulgent, this dish never disappoints.

Recipe:

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Tender lemon-garlic chicken strips served over creamy bowtie pasta in a rich Parmesan sauce with a zesty citrus finish. A comforting yet elegant dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Season the chicken strips with garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Set aside and keep warm.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
Serve the pasta topped with warm lemon garlic chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon wedges if desired.