This Lemon Garlic Chicken paired with creamy Parmesan bowtie pasta is the perfect combination of savory and zesty flavors. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Author:Sarah
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Pan-fried, Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to add to the sauce if needed.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Let the chicken broth simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and flavorful.
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pasta, gently tossing to combine everything together. The warm chicken will release its juices, adding even more flavor to the pasta.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this zesty, creamy dish!
Notes
For extra richness, you can add more Parmesan or a splash of extra heavy cream.
If you prefer, you can add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.