Ingredients: A Simple yet Flavorful Lineup
This dish relies on a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, making it easy to prepare even on the busiest of days. The magic of Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta lies in its simplicity, and the ingredients speak for themselves:
2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless – The chicken is the star of this dish, so you’ll want to use tender chicken breasts that cook quickly and soak up all the wonderful flavors.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Simple but essential! Seasoning the chicken breasts before cooking helps bring out their natural flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Olive oil helps to cook the chicken and garlic to perfection while adding a mild, earthy flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is the backbone of this recipe, infusing both the chicken and the creamy sauce with its aromatic goodness.
1 cup heavy cream – This gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture. It’s rich and indulgent, creating the creamy base that pairs so well with the pasta.
1/2 cup chicken broth – Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce, balancing the creaminess with a savory, slightly salty undertone.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice provides a bright, zesty contrast to the rich creaminess of the sauce, making each bite refreshing.
Zest of 1 lemon – The zest of the lemon intensifies the citrus flavor and gives the sauce an aromatic freshness.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme adds a savory, herby flavor that complements the chicken and pasta.
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Bowtie pasta is fun to eat and perfectly suited for holding onto creamy sauces, making each bite of pasta rich and flavorful.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall richness of the sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a slight peppery bite that contrasts with the creamy richness of the dish.
Directions: The Step-by-Step Process
The beauty of Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta lies in its straightforward steps. Here’s how to prepare this dish with ease:
Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning is all you need to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. Once the chicken is seasoned, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. Once the chicken is ready, transfer it to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to add to the sauce if needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not burn, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
Once the garlic is softened, pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits of browned chicken and garlic that are stuck to the bottom. This is where all the flavor resides! Let the chicken broth simmer for a minute or two, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Cheese
Once the cream is in the pan, stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes, thickening slightly. You can adjust the thickness by adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water. Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it even creamier and more flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Slice the Chicken and Combine
While the pasta is soaking in all that creamy goodness, slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the pasta, gently tossing to combine everything together. The warm chicken will continue to release its juices into the pasta, making each bite even more flavorful.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off the dish by garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley, which adds a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy this zesty, creamy dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.