Description
Tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a creamy garlic-lemon sauce come together in this vibrant and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the drained pasta until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Add extra Parmesan on top before serving for a cheesier finish.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg