Lemon Garlic Chicken wіth creamy bowtie pasta is one tasty meal that mixes tangy lemon , bold garlic flavor and soft pasta . it's not just dinner its like a party for your taste buds and it dont take much skill to make . the chicken bits are juicy and herby and they blend perfect with the sauce , so it looks fancy but you can cook it at home real easy .
Lemon and garlic are used in lots of kitchens all over the world . they dont just add big flavor , they also have health perks . lemon makes food taste bright , brings freshness and gives you vitamin C . garlic has a strong smell and some studies say it can help your heart and your body fight off sickness . put them together and you turn plain chicken and pasta into something everyone will love .
Here we’ll walk you through everything about Lemon Garlic Chicken wіth creamy bowtie pasta , from where it came from to step-by-step cooking tips . even if you are new in the kitchen you can manage this recipe and get great results . so grab your ingredients and get set to serve up a dish that’s zesty , creamy and sure to impress !
What is Lemon Garlic Chicken wіth Creamy Bowtie Pasta?
This dish is a simple combo of chicken , lemon juice , garlic and a creamy sauce tossed with bowtie pasta . the flavor is tangy from the lemon , savory from the garlic and smooth from the cream . the chicken pieces turn golden in a pan and the herbs add flecks of green that make it look nice . every bite has a bit of chicken , pasta and sauce for a mix of tastes and textures that works great on any dinner table .
Visually it’s pretty too , because the sauce sticks to the pasta and the chicken sits on top with parsley or basil sprinkled over . the tender meat , chewy pasta and silky sauce make a plate that folks always compliment .
This recipe comes from Mediterranean and Italian styles of cooking , and it’s got popular in homes because it’s flexible and quick to make . you can serve it on a weeknight or for special guests without a lot of fuss . it pleases lots of different tastes , so it’s a hit at family meals .
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Knowing what’s in your food is smart , so let’s look at why lemon , garlic , chicken and pasta are more than just tasty .
2.1 Lemon
Lemons are full of vitamin C , which your body needs to stay healthy and fight off colds . they help with digestion by keeping your stomach at the right pH and help you absorb nutrients better . plus the juice and zest makes food taste fresher .
2.2 Garlic
Garlic has allicin and other compounds that might help your heart and lower blood pressure and cholesterol . it’s also got anti-inflammatory properties and can boost your immune system .
2.3 Chicken
Chicken is a lean protein , good for building muscles and keeping energy up . if you pick skinless cuts , it’s lower in fat and fits a healthy diet . protein helps repair your body and keeps you full longer .
2.4 Pasta
Pasta gives carbs for energy so you don’t feel tired . choosing whole-grain pasta adds fiber , which is good for digestion and fullness . complex carbs help you keep going without a crash .
Equipment and Ingredient List
Before you start cooking , make sure you have these tools and items ready :
3.1 Equipment Required
- Big pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or frying pan for chicken
- Colander for draining pasta
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or tongs
- Serving plates or bowls
3.2 Ingredients Required
- For the Lemon Garlic Chicken :
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- Juice and zest of 1 big lemon
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
- For the Creamy Bowtie Pasta :
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Detailed Recipe for Lemon Garlic Chicken wіth Creamy Bowtie Pasta
4.1 Preparation Time
About 30–40 minutes total .
4.2 Step-By-Step Directions
4.2.1 Marinate and Cook Chicken
1. In a bowl mix olive oil , garlic , lemon juice , zest , salt and pepper then add chicken and coat well . let it sit for at least 10 minutes so it soaks up flavor .
2. Heat a skillet on medium-high . when it’s hot put in chicken and cook 6–7 minutes each side until golden and done . the inside temp should hit 165°F . take chicken out and let it rest before slicing .
4.2.2 Make the Creamy Pasta
1. Boil salted water in a big pot . cook bowtie pasta to al dente per package instructions . drain and set aside .
2. In the same skillet melt butter on medium heat . pour in cream and bring to a gentle boil . stir so it dont burn .
3. Add Parmesan , salt and pepper . stir till cheese melts and sauce thickens a bit .
4. Toss pasta into the sauce so it’s all coated . slice chicken and lay it on top .
4.3 Serving Suggestions
Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil for color and extra taste . serve with a green salad or steamed veggies for a full meal . pass extra Parmesan for those who want more cheese .
Variations and Substitutions
5.1 Protein Swaps
Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist . both go well with lemon and garlic .
5.2 Lighter Sauce Options
You can use Greek yogurt or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to cut calories but keep it creamy .
5.3 Gluten-Free and Vegan
Swap regular pasta for gluten-free noodles . for vegan use plant-based chicken and dairy-free cream .
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting the Dish
6.1 Cooking Techniques
Make sure your pan is hot so chicken gets a nice sear and stays juicy . dont crowd the pan or it will steam instead of brown .
6.2 Flavor Boosters
Add red pepper flakes for heat or thyme and rosemary for depth . a splash of white wine in the sauce can add extra flavor .
FAQs
7.1 What if I dont have bowtie pasta?
Use any shape you have like penne , fusilli or even spaghetti . the sauce will still be good .
7.2 Can I make it ahead?
Yes , cook chicken and sauce ahead and keep them in airtight containers in the fridge . reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready .
7.3 What sides go with it?
Serve with green salad , steamed asparagus or garlic bread for a full plate .
7.4 Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes , store in airtight containers up to 3 months . thaw in fridge overnight and reheat in a pan .
7.5 How do I make it more or less creamy?
Reduce cream or add pasta water for a lighter sauce . add more cream or cheese for extra creaminess .
Conclusion
We covered how to make Lemon Garlic Chicken wіth creamy bowtie pasta step by step , talked about health benefits and shared tips to make it perfect . now it’s your turn to try it out and share what tweaks you made . enjoy this bright , creamy dish with your family and friends !
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 colander
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts For added flavor, marinate in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
