Ever have one of those nights where you’re staring into the fridge, hoping dinner will magically assemble itself? You want something everyone will eat, something that feels a little special, but doesn’t require a mountain of dishes or a degree in advanced culinary arts. That’s where this Creamy Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta swoops in to save the day. It’s my go-to for a busy Tuesday when I need to get a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table without the fuss. The bright zip of lemon pairs so beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. Seriously comforting stuff.
Top Reasons To Make It
- Weeknight Warrior: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. It’s one of those quick dinner ideas that doesn’t taste rushed.
- Kid-Approved: The creamy sauce and fun bowtie pasta are usually a huge hit with the little ones, making it a true kid friendly dinner.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple, pantry-staple ingredients keeps things affordable, a real win for cheap dinners for a family.
- Effortlessly Elegant: It feels fancier than it is, perfect for when you want dinner dishes to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (for the main protein)
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta (their shape holds the sauce beautifully)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (adds a sweet, savory base)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for that essential aromatic punch)
- 1 cup chicken broth (forms the base of our creamy sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream (creates that luxurious, rich texture)
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (for the bright, fresh flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (adds saltiness and helps thicken the sauce)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (a fresh, colorful garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (to season every layer)
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the sauce heat through gently; don’t let it boil.
- Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the fresh parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Variations & Substitutions
- No Heavy Cream? Half-and-half or whole milk will work, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. For a dairy-free version, try canned coconut milk.
- Add Some Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale right at the end, letting it wilt in the warm sauce.
- Different Protein: Use thin-cut chicken cutlets, or even swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian twist.
- Herb Swap: Fresh basil or thyme would be lovely in place of the parsley.
Kid Friendly Serving Ideas
My three are all about keeping things simple and separate sometimes. If you have a picky eater, try serving the components deconstructed: a pile of plain pasta, a little bowl of the creamy sauce on the side for dipping, and some plain chicken pieces. It gives them a sense of control and often leads to a cleaner plate. You can also sneak in some grated zucchini into the sauce while it simmers—it practically disappears!
Tips For Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is key because it will continue to absorb some of the sauce.
- Reserve that pasta water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce thickness without making it watery.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than the pre-shredded kind, which can contain anti-caking agents.
- Honestly, if you love a strong lemony flavor, go ahead and add the zest of a second lemon. It really makes the dish sing.
- Let the cream sauce heat gently; boiling it can sometimes cause it to break or become grainy.
- And my favorite tip? Taste, taste, taste as you go, especially before serving. Seasoning is everything.
Storage & Reheating
Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb the sauce as it sits, so when you reheat it, do so gently in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove over low heat. Add a small splash of broth, water, or even a little more cream to loosen the sauce back up. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the components—cook the chicken, chop the veggies, even make the sauce—and keep them separate. Combine everything with freshly cooked pasta right before serving for the best texture. This is a great strategy for easy weeknight dinners.
- What other pasta shapes work well? Penne, rigatoni, or shells are all great alternatives. Anything with nooks to hold onto that delicious sauce.
- Is this one of those healthy dinner ideas? It’s a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fat. You can lighten it up by using half-and-half and loading it with extra veggies like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
- My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. You can also create a quick slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the simmering sauce.
And there you have it. A dinner solution that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation. This Creamy Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. So good.
