Description
This Easy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright, creamy, one-pan pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients like cooked chicken, farfalle pasta, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, it delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort. Customizable and quick, it’s a go-to dish that’s family-approved and meal prep-friendly.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamier sauce)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until heated through.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a light simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook for another minute until everything is heated and well mixed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
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Add reserved pasta water slowly to avoid thinning the sauce too much.
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If you like it extra creamy, use more Parmesan or a splash of cream cheese.
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For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for white beans or mushrooms.
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Garnish generously with fresh herbs for the best presentation and flavor.