Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta brings together tender chicken, silky sauce, and bright citrus for a comforting dinner that still feels fresh. This recipe balances richness and acidity, which makes it perfect when you want something satisfying without feeling heavy. Bowtie pasta catches every bit of sauce, while garlic and lemon keep the flavors lively. Whether you cook for family or guests, this dish fits busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike, especially during cooler winter evenings or the first days of spring.

Story

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta became a regular meal in my kitchen after I wanted a dinner that felt cozy but not dull. I kept returning to this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta because it cooks fast, uses simple pantry staples, and always tastes polished. The combination of lemon, garlic, and cream creates a sauce that feels indulgent while staying balanced. Each time I serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, the bright aroma fills the kitchen and signals comfort. It works beautifully as a winter or spring meal, since the citrus lightens the richness and keeps every bite inviting.

Ingredients

12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
Boiling salted water
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese

This ingredient list supports a bowtie pasta recipe with enough sauce to coat every piece while keeping flavors clean and direct.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken breasts evenly so they cook at the same rate, mince the garlic finely to release its aroma, measure the cream and lemon juice, grate the parmesan cheese, and bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil so everything stays ready once cooking begins.

Cooking Instructions

Boil the farfalle pasta until tender, then drain and keep warm; meanwhile heat olive oil in a skillet, season and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, remove it, melt butter in the same pan, sauté garlic briefly, whisk in cream and simmer, add lemon juice and parsley, return the chicken to the pan, then toss everything with the pasta and parmesan to create a smooth lemon garlic sauce that clings to each bite.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overheating the sauce after adding lemon juice because high heat can cause separation, do not overcrowd the skillet when browning chicken, and always salt the pasta water well since properly seasoned pasta builds flavor throughout the dish.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for cleaner taste, allow the sauce to simmer gently so it thickens naturally, and finish with freshly grated parmesan for a smooth heavy cream sauce that tastes rich without becoming greasy.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta immediately in a wide bowl so the sauce stays glossy, garnish with extra parsley and parmesan, and pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete skillet chicken dinner.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, knowing that the sauce may firm up, and enjoy it cold or gently rewarmed since aggressive reheating can change the sauce texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta delivers comfort, brightness, and simplicity in one reliable recipe. With tender chicken, silky sauce, and pasta that holds every drop, it proves that a satisfying meal does not require complicated steps. Try it once, and it will likely earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta instead of bowtie?

Yes, you can swap farfalle with penne, rotini, or linguine, but shapes with ridges or folds work best because they hold the creamy lemon sauce more evenly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

This dish tastes best fresh, since the cream sauce can separate when reheated, so it works better for immediate serving rather than long-term meal prep.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

You can add spinach, peas, or asparagus near the end of cooking to introduce color and texture without overpowering the lemon and garlic flavors.