Description
Golden seared chicken infused with lemon and garlic, tossed with creamy bowtie pasta and parmesan cheese. This easy dinner recipe is bursting with zesty, savory flavor—perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs
12 ounces bowtie pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
3. In a large pot, boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
4. In the skillet, melt more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
5. Add lemon zest and juice, followed by the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
7. Add pasta to the sauce, toss to coat, and use pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
8. Return chicken to the skillet and mix gently.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t skip zesting the lemon—it adds bold citrus flavor without extra acidity.
If reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, creamy pasta, easy dinner