Description
Succulent lemon garlic chicken mingles with creamy bowtie pasta, creating a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired feast. Zesty flavors and comforting textures combine, promising a delightful meal where herbs, citrus, and tender chicken elevate your dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) water or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Initiate pasta preparation by bringing a generously sized pot of water or chicken broth to a rolling boil. Introduce bowtie pasta and a pinch of salt, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm. Once cooked, drain thoroughly, preserving a small portion of pasta water for later use.
- Transform chicken cutlets into a flavor-packed canvas by generously coating with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Warm a large skillet with a harmonious mixture of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken into the sizzling pan, creating a golden-brown exterior for 3-4 minutes per side. Enhance the cooking process by drizzling vibrant lemon juice and sprinkling delicate lemon zest directly onto the chicken. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to craft a luxurious sauce. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to become wonderfully aromatic. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Pour in lemon juice and allow the mixture to simmer, thickening into a velvety consistency. Fine-tune the flavor profile with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Gently fold the prepared bowtie pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal texture. Artfully slice the cooked chicken and arrange it atop the pasta.
- Complete the dish by scattering fresh parsley as a vibrant garnish. Present with lemon wedges to add a bright, citrusy dimension. Complement the meal with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a truly satisfying dining experience.
Notes
- Choose high-quality chicken cutlets with even thickness for consistent cooking and perfect searing.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, creating a customizable heat level.
- Switch heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, healthier sauce variations without compromising flavor.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for brighter, more vibrant citrus notes that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Select good-quality Parmesan cheese to enhance the sauce’s richness and depth of flavor.
- Keep pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, perfectly textured sauce that clings beautifully to bowtie pasta.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg