Here’s a zesty, creamy, and comforting Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe — light but flavorful, with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a lemon-garlic cream sauce that pulls it all together beautifully.
🍋 Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
🍝 Ingredients:
For the pasta & chicken:
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12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the sauce:
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3 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tbsp)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
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Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken:
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce:
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic!).
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Stir in cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Add lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly (3–4 minutes). Season to taste.
4. Combine:
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Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat well.
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If needed, use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
5. Finish & serve:
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Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and more Parmesan.
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Serve warm with garlic bread or a green salad.
🔄 Tips & Variations:
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Add veggies like spinach, asparagus, or broccoli for color and nutrition.
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Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
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Want it dairy-free? Use olive oil or dairy-free butter and coconut cream or unsweetened oat cream.