Looking for a dinner recipe that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor? This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta delivers everything you need for a satisfying meal: juicy, pan-seared chicken, tangy lemon zest, rich cream sauce, and tender bowtie pasta all combined in one cozy dish. Ideal for weeknights when time is short but flavor is non-negotiable, this easy chicken pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between zesty and creamy. The lemon adds brightness, the garlic brings depth, and the Parmesan ties it all together with a silky finish. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for home cooks of all levels.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with basic pantry staples.
- Creamy and tangy: Lemon juice and zest cut through the richness of the cream perfectly.
- Family-friendly: A pasta dish that even picky eaters will love.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Feels indulgent without requiring special techniques or tools.
- Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
📋 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
2. Build the Lemon Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add in the heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken.
3. Cook the Bowtie Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside once tender.
4. Combine and Finish
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and clinging to the pasta.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve the creamy pasta on plates, topped with sliced lemon garlic chicken. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
🧀 Tips for Success
- Pound the chicken slightly before cooking to ensure even thickness and quicker cooking time.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor — bottled lemon juice won’t have the same effect.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.
- To add vegetables, try baby spinach, steamed broccoli, or sautéed zucchini tossed in with the pasta.
📌 Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is the perfect answer to the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?” It’s rich without being heavy, quick without sacrificing flavor, and comforting without being boring. Ideal for casual weeknights or elegant enough for a dinner date at home, this dish checks all the boxes.
Try it once and you’ll want it in your regular rotation — it’s that good!
Will you be adding this to your meal plan this week? Let us know in the comments or tag your plate on social!