Lemon Garlic Chicken With Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe

If you think there’s no way to elevate a simple chicken and pasta dish, think again. Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a game changer in your kitchen. This recipe combines marinated chicken with a luscious creamy sauce and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Curious about how to create this mouthwatering meal? Let’s explore the details and steps involved in making it a reality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines elegance with simplicity, this Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice.

You’ll appreciate how easy it’s to prepare, making it ideal for both guests and weeknight dinners. The recipe shines due to its fresh, high-quality ingredients like lemon, garlic, and parsley, creating a rich and creamy flavor. Additionally, you can substitute chicken broth for wine if desired, enhancing the dish’s flexibility.

Plus, it’s a one-skillet meal, so clean-up is quick. The balanced combination of protein from chicken and carbohydrates from pasta makes it satisfying.

You can easily adjust the sauce and cheese to fit your dietary needs. Overall, this dish offers delicious flavors without complicated cooking techniques, allowing you to enjoy a delightful meal with minimal effort.

History

Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta has a rich history that reflects its Italian roots and global adaptations. The original Italian version, known as “pollo al limone,” features whole roasted chicken with white wine and fresh lemon juice.

Spanish variations often add pine nuts and rosemary, while Chinese interpretations include batter-coated chicken, showcasing distinct culinary traditions. Throughout the years, this dish has evolved by incorporating local ingredients and cooking methods. It’s popular across many cultures, especially during summer for its light flavors. Creamy lemon garlic sauce elevates the dish, enhancing its overall appeal and making it a favorite for home cooking.

You can use various pasta types, like linguine or bowtie, making it versatile. The dish’s combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs remains a constant, highlighting Mediterranean influences in its preparation.

Recipe

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Ingredients:
– 3 pounds chicken thighs
– 0.5 lbs chicken tenderloins, cubed
– 2 large lemons
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
– 6 garlic cloves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– Olive oil
– Fresh thyme sprigs
– Minced fresh Italian parsley
– 8 oz uncooked bowtie pasta
– 8 oz linguini pasta
– 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
– 1 cup half and half, room temperature
– Grated parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– Extra parmesan cheese for garnish
– Kosher salt
– Pepper
– Oregano

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and sprinkle them liberally with kosher salt. In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and lemon juice, ensuring they’re well-coated. Let this marinate while you prepare the pasta.
In a large pot, cook the bowtie and linguini pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it thicken.
While the sauce is thickening, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and sear them for about 7-8 minutes on each side until browned and crispy. Transfer the chicken to the oven and roast for an additional 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
Once the chicken is done, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in the shredded chicken and extra lemon zest, adjusting the consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese.

Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider using bone broth instead of regular chicken broth. Additionally, feel free to throw in some sautéed vegetables, like spinach or cherry tomatoes, for extra nutrition and color. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish further. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

This recipe is characterized as easy and approachable, making it perfect for both everyday meals and elegant dinner parties.

Final Thoughts

When you finish making the Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta, you’ll likely find it to be a delightful dish that’s both simple and impressive. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. The classic flavors of lemon, garlic, and parsley create a mouthwatering experience. Remember to serve it fresh, as the rich sauce may separate if reheated. Bowtie pasta is great for trapping the sauce, but you can use similar shapes with care. Additionally, you can incorporate baby spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Pair your dish with garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. While this pasta is high in calories and fat, the fresh ingredients make it a tasty choice. Enjoy your culinary creation, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

FAQ

Have you ever wondered how to make the most of your Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta experience?

First, marinate your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest for extra flavor.

Cook your bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente, then set it aside.

For the garlic sauce, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in butter and olive oil for a minute, then deglaze the pan with white wine or broth.

Mix in chicken broth, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich sauce.

Sauté chicken until golden, then combine everything by tossing the pasta in the sauce and nestling the chicken among it.

Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and lemon wedges for an extra zing!

Additionally, this dish features a creamy sauce that beautifully complements the chicken and pasta.