When you’ve had one of *those* days—when socks go missing and the coffee maker sputters in protest—this lemon garlic chicken with creamy bowtie pasta swoops in like the dinner hero you never knew you needed. We’re talking golden chicken kissed with lemon zest, garlic that melts into the pan like it’s got nowhere better to be, and pasta that gets cozy in a luscious cream sauce. It’s the sort of meal that tricks everyone into thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. (You didn’t. We both know it.) I make this when I want to impress my family without breaking a sweat or, let’s be real, washing a ton of dishes. The flavor is bold, the texture is dreamy, and even the leftovers disappear like magic. If you love easy chicken recipes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl—pull up a fork. Let’s cook.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
4) How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
5) Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
6) Making Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
8) Try these chicken recipes next!
9) Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick and comforting chicken pasta dish
Creamy, lemony garlic sauce with tender chicken
Perfect for busy weeknights and easy to store
Main keyword used: easy chicken recipes

2) Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe

You know those evenings when cooking feels like a marathon and you’re already limping at the starting line? This right here is your shortcut. I make this lemon garlic chicken with creamy bowtie pasta when I need something rich and satisfying without spending my entire evening hovering over the stove.

The chicken? Seared golden. The sauce? A zippy mix of lemon and garlic mellowed by cream and a good shake of Parmesan. It clings to the pasta just right. It tastes like you did something fancy, but it’s really just an easy chicken recipe hiding in plain sight.

I lean on this dish when I want comfort without chaos. The texture of the bowtie pasta catches the sauce beautifully, and the flavor feels like a warm hug. It’s one of those easy chicken recipes that earns repeat status fast. You’ve got the lemon. You’ve got the garlic. What more could you want?

3) Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Chicken Breasts: Use two large boneless chicken breasts and cut them into small, even pieces so they cook fast and stay juicy. You can also swap in rotisserie chicken to keep things easy.

Olive Oil: A few tablespoons of olive oil go into the pan first to get that golden sear on the chicken. Don’t skimp here—this is where the flavor starts.

Garlic: Fresh garlic works best. I use four cloves, minced, and toss them in once the chicken is mostly cooked. They bring warmth without taking over.

Lemon Zest and Juice: The zest adds brightness while the juice adds that sharp, tangy flavor that keeps everything from getting too heavy. One lemon does the trick.

Heavy Cream: Rich, thick, and perfect for making that sauce cling to every piece of pasta. Two cups is plenty. Don’t try to cut it with milk unless you’re okay sacrificing flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Shredded or grated, you’ll want about a cup. It melts into the sauce and adds that salty, nutty finish.

Salt and Pepper: Season the chicken before it hits the pan and taste your sauce before serving. The Parmesan adds salt, so don’t go wild too soon.

Bowtie Pasta: Farfalle, the little pasta bowties, hold onto the creamy sauce better than you’d think. Eight ounces is perfect for four servings.

Chopped Parsley: This is optional, but it adds color and a bit of freshness at the end. Sprinkle it on just before serving.

4) How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it, toss it with a splash of olive oil, and set it aside. Don’t rinse it. We want the starch for that creamy sauce magic.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and no longer pink, about 6 to 7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the garlic and lemon zest right into the skillet. Stir for a minute or two until your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 4: Pour in the lemon juice and heavy cream. Turn the heat to low and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 5: Add in the Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce. Stir until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Toss the pasta into the pan and mix until everything’s coated. Sprinkle parsley if you like.

Step 7: Serve hot and feel like a dinnertime genius.

5) Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Let’s be honest—pasta dishes can turn from delicious to dull if we’re not paying attention. So here’s what I’ve picked up from my many nights juggling pans and children and that one overly curious cat.

Salt the pasta water. It should taste like the sea. That’s your first layer of flavor, and it matters. Don’t forget it while wrangling garlic cloves.

Don’t overcook the chicken. You want it golden on the outside and still juicy inside. Overdo it and you’ve got rubber. And stir your sauce. Let it simmer, not boil, or it’ll split faster than your patience on a Monday night.

6) Making Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta Ahead of Time

This is one of those easy chicken recipes that works great for meal prep. I’ll often cook the pasta and chicken the night before and store them separately. That way I’m halfway to dinner with no mess on a busy evening.

The sauce thickens when cold, so warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen it up. Stir everything together just before serving so it feels fresh again.

If I know we’ll be eating late or taking it to go, I’ll wait to add the cheese and herbs. That final stir just before serving makes it feel like I whipped it up fresh—nobody has to know I made it last night.

7) Storing Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. The sauce gets a bit thicker after sitting, but it reheats like a dream with a splash of cream or milk.

If I’m packing lunch the next day, I’ll warm it in a pan rather than the microwave. Just feels better somehow. Top it with a little extra Parmesan and maybe some parsley if you’re feeling motivated.

And yes, it freezes too—but only the chicken and sauce. Pasta gets weird when thawed. Trust me. I learned that one the hard way.

8) Try these chicken recipes next!

9) Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta