Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken is a delicious dish that reflects comfort and flavor. This meal combines tender pasta with juicy chicken and a rich creamy sauce, highlighted by the freshness of lemon and garlic. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe because it is quick and easy to prepare, yet it tastes wonderful and looks impressive. The combination of the creamy sauce with the zesty chicken makes every bite enjoyable. It’s a great way to bring a bit of Italian flair to your dinner table. Plus, this dish is versatile, fitting a variety of occasions, from casual meals to special celebrations.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Return sliced chicken to the skillet and combine gently. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
Serve the pasta in large bowls or plates, placing the sliced chicken on top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish by swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu, making it a great option for different diets. You can also adjust the sauce by adding different herbs or spices to match your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute bowtie pasta with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fettuccine.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and combine them right before serving.
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made in larger batches for meal prep. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until you’re ready to eat for the best texture.

Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and quick dish combining tender pasta with juicy chicken in a rich creamy sauce, highlighted by fresh lemon and garlic.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Return sliced chicken to the skillet and combine gently. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy sauce, Italian, quick dinner, comfort food
