This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta recipe is a weeknight winner! It’s quick, easy, incredibly flavorful, and satisfying enough to please even the pickiest eaters. The tender chicken, coated in a vibrant lemon-garlic sauce, perfectly complements the al dente bowtie pasta tossed in creamy Parmesan cheese. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to culinary perfection, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a comforting meal for one.

Ingredients:

Pasta: 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Butter: 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
Italian Seasoning: 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
Salt: 1 tsp salt, or to taste
Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Fresh Parsley (optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season the chicken with salt and pepper during cooking.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create the Lemon Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the butter until melted. Add the lemon juice and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and lemon garlic sauce. Toss to combine, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy consistency.

Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese

Stir in 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the pasta is coated in a creamy sauce. If you prefer a richer sauce, add more Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley (if using), and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if using) for added flavor and visual appeal.

Cooking Time:

Total cooking time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.

Tips and Variations:

For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Add vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding sauteed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the chicken.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
Use different pasta: Feel free to substitute bowtie pasta with your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine, penne, or rotini.
Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for an extra creamy sauce.
Lemon zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the sauce for an intensified lemon flavor.
Chicken thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts for a richer, more flavorful dish.
Make it ahead: The chicken can be cooked and the sauce prepared ahead of time. Reheat gently before adding the pasta.

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

FAQ:

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese? While you can use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese will generally have a better flavor and melt more smoothly.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice? You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice will provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Can I add other herbs? Yes, feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as oregano, basil, or thyme.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
Can I freeze this dish? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Thaw completely before reheating and tossing with cooked pasta.
Is this recipe gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bowtie pasta.

This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta

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Ingredients

1 lb bowtie pasta
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
4 tbsp butter
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer for best results; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic (if using, not listed in ingredients) and sauté it briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir in the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly with the butter and lemon mixture.
Slice the rested chicken and nestle it into the pasta. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, mixing gently to combine.
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, and enjoy the burst of flavor!

Notes

– Servings: 4
– Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
– Protein: 45 g
– Carbohydrates: 60 g
– Fat: 20 g