Description
A delightful combination of flavors featuring tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, paired with creamy bowtie pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (340 g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in fresh lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream to the skillet with garlic and lemon juice. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add cooked bowtie pasta and chopped spinach to the skillet. Toss until well coated and spinach is wilted.
- Slice the seared chicken breasts into strips.
- Plate the creamy pasta and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with lemon zest and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein source.
- Use gluten-free bowtie pasta if needed.
- Marinate chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Chicken, Creamy Pasta, Bowtie Pasta, Italian Recipe