Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and freshness. Tender strips of chicken are coated in a creamy garlic-infused lemon sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s rich yet zesty, indulgent but balanced—a dish I reach for when I want a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both creamy and refreshing. The lemon brightens up the rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, and the bowtie pasta gives the dish a fun texture that holds onto the sauce beautifully. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and feels just fancy enough for a dinner with friends—but easy enough for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to shake up basic chicken pasta with a citrusy twist.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, sliced

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

• 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)

• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. I reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. While the pasta cooks, I season the sliced chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. I remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. In the same skillet, I sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

5. I pour in the lemon juice, zest, and cream, stirring to combine. I bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly.

6. I stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with the drained pasta.

7. I toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

8. I garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add spinach or peas during the last few minutes for a pop of green.

• For a spicier version, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a touch of chili oil.

• I’ve used grilled chicken instead of sautéed for a smoky flavor.

• I replace the cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of water or milk to bring the sauce back to life. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the cream sauce can separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I’ve used penne, linguine, and rotini. Any pasta that holds sauce well will work great here.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

I prefer fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but I miss the brightness of fresh.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

I keep the heat at medium and avoid boiling the cream. Stirring continuously and adding the cheese slowly also helps maintain a smooth sauce.

Is there a dairy-free option?

I swap the cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor changes slightly but still tastes delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I make it ahead and reheat gently with a splash of water or cream. It’s best eaten fresh, but still tasty the next day.

Conclusion

Bowtie Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is a creamy, citrusy, comforting dish that’s easy to fall in love with. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and full of fresh, bold flavor. Whether I serve it on a weeknight or for guests, it always brings comfort to the table with a bright, elegant twist.