Introduction
Hey there, fellow foodie! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta. This dish is a delightful combination of tangy flavors, aromatic garlic, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness. Whenever I make this, my family goes crazy for it, and I’m sure you will too!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I want a meal that is both comforting and bursting with flavor. The zesty lemon and fragrant garlic infuse the chicken with a tantalizing aroma that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Plus, the creamy Parmesan bowtie pasta perfectly complements the chicken, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Garlic Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For the Parmesan Bowtie Pasta:
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: Feel free to substitute any of the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. I sometimes use chicken thighs instead of breasts, and you can also experiment with different types of pasta.
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, an hour or two will enhance the flavors even more.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Parmesan bowtie pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the Parmesan sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
7. Serve the lemon garlic chicken alongside the Parmesan bowtie pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy this mouthwatering dish with your loved ones!
Notes
I’ve found that using fresh lemon juice and zest really elevates the flavors in this recipe. However, if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute.
For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in the Parmesan sauce. It adds a tangy twist to the dish while reducing the calorie content.
If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or the Parmesan sauce.
Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations I’ve tried:
1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Swap out the chicken breasts for peeled and deveined shrimp. Follow the same marinade and cooking instructions, reducing the cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side.
2. Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken altogether and make a delicious lemon garlic sauce to toss with roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms. Drizzle the sauce over the Parmesan bowtie pasta for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
3. Lemon Garlic Salmon: Replace the chicken breasts with salmon fillets. The tangy lemon and garlic flavors pair beautifully with the richness of the salmon.
Equipment
While you don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe, having a good skillet and a large saucepan will make the cooking process much smoother. If you don’t have a skillet, you can use a non-stick frying pan as an alternative.
Storage
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad. The freshness of the vegetables complements the tangy flavors of the lemon garlic chicken and the creamy Parmesan bowtie pasta. You can also pair it with a slice of crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce.
Pro Tips
1. Don’t skip the marinating step! Allowing the chicken to marinate helps infuse it with the flavors of the lemon and garlic, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
2. If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken for as little as 15 minutes. While it won’t have the same depth of flavor as longer marinating times, it will still be delicious.
3. When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop a golden brown crust.
4. If you want to add a pop of freshness to the dish, squeeze some extra lemon juice over the cooked chicken just before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
A: While fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor, you can substitute dried parsley if that’s what you have on hand. Just use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: While you can freeze the leftovers, I find that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze it, I recommend reheating it in the oven or on the stovetop rather than the microwave for the best results.
Now that you have the recipe for this sensational Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta, it’s time to gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure! Get ready to savor the delightful flavors and experience the joy of sharing a delicious meal with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
A delightful combination of tangy flavors, aromatic garlic, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness. The zesty lemon and fragrant garlic infuse the chicken with a tantalizing aroma, perfectly complemented by creamy Parmesan bowtie pasta.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
-
In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Coat chicken breasts with the marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
-
Cook marinated chicken breasts in a skillet for 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
-
Add cooked pasta to the saucepan with Parmesan sauce. Toss until well coated.
-
Serve lemon garlic chicken alongside the Parmesan bowtie pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
-
Enjoy the mouthwatering dish with your loved ones!