Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Bowtie Pasta – A Restaurant-Quality Dinner at Home!
Looking for a satisfying, restaurant-style pasta dish you can make right in your kitchen? This Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is the answer! With juicy pan-seared chicken, a silky lemon-garlic cream sauce, and tender farfalle pasta, this dish delivers a perfect balance of tang, richness, and comfort.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder is creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor. Let’s dive into the ultimate step-by-step breakdown of this irresistible pasta recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- Salted water, for boiling
Optional Add-ons:
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Garlic bread or green salad on the side
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside. Lightly drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking if needed.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of butter. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stir briefly, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth and silky.
Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens to a creamy, luscious consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce.
Let everything simmer together for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully marry and the pasta to soak up the sauce.
Final Touches & Serving Suggestions:
Sprinkle the finished dish with chopped parsley or fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve piping hot alongside toasted garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
This creamy lemon garlic chicken pasta is also perfect for meal prep! Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
4–6 generous portions
Estimated Calories:
Approximately 780 calories per serving
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor—bottled just isn’t the same.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Want a protein boost? Add spinach or mushrooms when making the sauce.
- No heavy cream? Substitute with half-and-half, but reduce the broth slightly to maintain thickness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One-pan convenience
- Bright and creamy flavor combo
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Family-friendly and elegant enough for guests
- Customizable with veggies or shrimp
This is more than just a pasta recipe—it’s a comfort food classic with a zesty twist! If you try it, don’t forget to share your version and tag us. Looking for more cozy pasta dishes? Check out our creamy Tuscan chicken pasta or sun-dried tomato Alfredo next!