If you’re searching for the perfect answer to both a weeknight craving and a weekend splurge, look no further: Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta delivers a symphony of fresh, zesty, and savory flavors all in one bowl. Just imagine twirled ribbons of al dente farfalle, melt-in-your-mouth chicken bursting with bright lemon and roasted garlic, and a glossy parmesan-kissed sauce that lightly hugs every fold. This dish is deceptively simple yet elegant enough for guests, warming enough for busy weeknights, and downright irresistible thanks to its balanced flavors. I’m so excited to show you how to make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta your new household staple!

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is how it turns a handful of everyday staples into a show-stopping meal. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s building depth, adding brightness, or offering a touch of comfort.

Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, these soak up all the glorious lemon and garlic flavors while staying tender and juicy.
Olive oil: Essential for getting the chicken perfectly golden and adding a subtle richness to the finished dish.
Garlic: Minced fresh, it becomes marvelously fragrant in the skillet and infuses every bite with warmth.
Lemon (zest and juice): Brings fresh, tangy brightness, cutting through the richness for a clean, vibrant finish.
Salt & black pepper: These pantry basics sharpen all the flavors and help the chicken shine.
Dried Italian seasoning: Adds herby depth and classic Mediterranean character to every mouthful.
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: Its playful shape holds onto the sauce, cheese, and bits of chicken for the perfect forkful.
Unsalted butter: Melts into the pan to create a gorgeous, silky base for your lemon-garlic sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Grated for creamy, salty, umami magic that ties the dish together.
Reserved pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce and gives it that lush, glossy restaurant-like finish.
Fresh parsley (optional): A burst of color and freshness that makes your bowl extra inviting.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your bowtie pasta. Cook it just until al dente, as it will absorb a bit more flavor later on in the skillet. Remember to scoop out about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—this little pro move helps create the creamiest, most cohesive sauce in the final step.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken strips dry and generously season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken in a single layer and let it sizzle undisturbed for 4–5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in juices and flavor. Remove the chicken and keep it covered so it stays warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Build the Sauce

Dial the heat down to medium and add butter to the now-empty skillet, scraping up the flavorful bits (that’s pure gold for flavor). Throw in your minced garlic and stir until it’s just fragrant, about a minute—don’t let it burn! Then, pour in the lemon juice and lemon zest for a quick deglaze. This wakes up all those savory flavors and makes your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Parmesan

With the sauce base bubbling, add your drained pasta to the skillet, sprinkling in the freshly grated Parmesan. A splash of that reserved pasta water will help the cheese melt smoothly and coat everything without clumping. Finally, return the chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the pan, tossing gently to make sure every bowtie is glossed in lemony, cheesy goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before plating, shower everything with a handful of chopped parsley for color and fresh flavor. Serve your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta warm, inviting, and ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a pinch of chopped parsley, or even a little lemon zest right before serving takes this dish from comforting to restaurant-worthy. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil add crunch and depth.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with just about any vegetable! Try a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli for color and nutrition. Warm, crusty bread is also a perfect companion for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, serve individual portions in shallow bowls layered with extra lemon slices for a sunny presentation. Or, pile everything onto a big platter family-style—Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is meant to be shared! If you’re entertaining, top with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color that wows.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, lucky you! Transfer the cooled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld as it sits, so it’s just as delicious for lunch as it is for dinner.

Freezing

Want to batch cook or save some for later? Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Just be aware that the pasta may soften a little upon reheating, but a splash of water or broth will bring back its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a small splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and warm over medium heat on the stove, stirring gently. Microwave works too! Cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so everything warms evenly and the chicken stays tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully and brings a playful vibe, you can use penne, fusilli, linguine, or any pasta you love. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta creamier?

For an extra luxurious version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese when you add the pasta and Parmesan. This thickens the sauce and gives it a richer mouthfeel.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, and it’s a wonderful way to boost both flavor and nutrition! Toss in spinach, steamed broccoli, peas, or cherry tomatoes when you combine the pasta in the skillet. They’ll soak up all that bright, garlicky lemon flavor.

What’s the best way to zest and juice the lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest your lemon before cutting and juicing it. This way, you’ll get all those bright citrus oils without any bitterness from the pith.

Is Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The flavors are familiar and approachable, and you can always adjust the level of garlic or lemon to suit younger palates. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food that still feels lively and fresh, I can’t recommend Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta enough. It’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and never fails to put smiles around the table. Give it a go—you may just find it becomes your family’s new favorite dish!

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful meal with this flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken served over a bed of Parmesan-coated Bowtie Pasta. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

10 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken and cook in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add lemon juice and zest. Stir in cooked pasta, Parmesan, and pasta water.
Combine and Serve: Add chicken to the skillet, toss everything together. Garnish with parsley and serve.