Description

This Creamy Bowtie Pasta with Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus is a perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors. The tender, lemon-infused chicken is paired with fresh asparagus and bowtie pasta, all tossed in a creamy garlic sauce. It’s a comforting, yet fresh, dish ideal for weeknights or dinner parties!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon zest

For the Pasta:

12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Salt, for pasta water

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 bunch)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

3️⃣ Cook the Asparagus:
In the same skillet, add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside.

4️⃣ Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5️⃣ Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and asparagus to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta and asparagus evenly in the sauce.
Add the sliced chicken on top and toss gently.

6️⃣ Serve and Garnish:
Serve the creamy bowtie pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Chicken Variations: You can use grilled chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra flavor and tenderness.
Pasta Options: If you don’t have bowtie pasta, any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti will work well with this dish.
Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of Greek yogurt and chicken broth.
Add Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies, try tossing in some spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Make Ahead: The sauce and chicken can be prepared ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min