Creamy Lemon Chicken Bowties Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor. And if you’re looking for a dish that balances richness and freshness with just the right amount of zing, then Creamy Lemon Chicken Bowties is your new favorite recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of succulent chicken, a velvety creamy sauce, and the bright, refreshing acidity of lemon. Combined with the hearty texture of bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle), this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite and a crowd-pleasing option for any dinner party.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful, it’s important to season it well and cook it to golden perfection. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked chicken breasts that pair beautifully with the creamy lemon sauce.

1. Season the Chicken:

   • Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and paprika. The seasoning will give the chicken a nice flavor that will enhance the overall dish.

2. Cook the Chicken:

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   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side, until it is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board to rest. After it has rested for a few minutes, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta while the chicken rests helps streamline the process.

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Add the bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Reserve Pasta Water:
   • Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. This starchy water is great for adjusting the consistency of the sauce later on. Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

Now that the chicken is resting and the pasta is cooking, it’s time to make the rich, creamy lemon sauce that will tie everything together. This sauce is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory, with a hint of brightness from the lemon.

1. Sauté the Garlic:

   • In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.

2. Deglaze the Pan:

   • Add the dry white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds tons of flavor to the sauce. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing it by about half.

3. Add the Cream and Broth:

   • Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then increase the heat slightly to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Add Lemon and Parmesan:

   • Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and season with freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you’d like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. The acidity of the lemon will balance out the richness of the cream, creating a velvety sauce with a refreshing zing.

5. Adjust Sauce Consistency:

   • If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water will help thicken the sauce while making it silky and smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine everything into one delicious dish.

1. Add the Pasta:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure it’s evenly coated. If necessary, add a little more reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

2. Add the Chicken:

   • Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together gently. The warm sauce will help reheat the chicken, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

3. Simmer for a Few Minutes:

   • Allow the pasta, chicken, and sauce to simmer together for 2-3 minutes, giving the sauce time to thicken and soak into the pasta.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

Once everything is combined and the flavors are melded, it’s time to serve this creamy, comforting dish.

1. Plate the Pasta:

   • Divide the creamy lemon chicken bowties among plates. Make sure each serving has a generous amount of pasta, chicken, and sauce.

2. Garnish:

   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

3. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and creamy. The tangy lemon, rich cream, and flavorful chicken will create an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemon: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. The fresh acidity and citrus oils will give the sauce an extra burst of brightness that complements the creamy texture beautifully.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked, so be sure to cook them just until they reach 165°F (75°C). Resting the chicken before slicing helps retain moisture.

• Customize the Sauce: If you like a little more depth in your sauce, you can add a splash of white wine or a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce.

• Add Vegetables: To add some vegetables to this dish, try tossing in some spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers. They will add both flavor and texture to the dish, making it even more vibrant.

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, toss in the pasta and chicken, and serve.

• Use Other Pasta Shapes: If you don’t have bowtie pasta, don’t worry! This creamy lemon chicken sauce works wonderfully with fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Chicken Bowties is the perfect dish for those who crave a rich, creamy, and zesty pasta recipe. The combination of succulent chicken, a luscious lemon cream sauce, and the hearty texture of bowtie pasta makes this dish both satisfying and delightful. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing for a special occasion, this recipe will surely impress. With its balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, every bite is a comforting and flavorful experience.

Yield: 6

Creamy Lemon Chicken Bowties Recipe

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When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor. And if you're looking for a dish that balances richness and freshness with just the right amount of zing, then Creamy Lemon Chicken Bowties is your new favorite recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of succulent chicken, a velvety creamy sauce, and the bright, refreshing acidity of lemon. Combined with the hearty texture of bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle), this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite and a crowd-pleasing option for any dinner party.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), boneless and skinless
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz bowtie pasta (or farfalle)
• Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

To cook the chicken:

1. Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

To make the creamy lemon sauce:

1. Start the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
2. Add liquids: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Add the flavorings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.

To cook the pasta:

1. Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce if needed.

To assemble the dish:

1. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
2. Add the chicken: Gently stir the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce mixture, heating it through.

To serve:

1. Garnish and serve: Serve the creamy lemon chicken bowties immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a more flavorful cut of meat.

For an added veggie boost, consider adding spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli to the pasta.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be a bit thinner.