lemon garlic chicken with creamy bowtie pasta

Ingredients

For the chicken:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the pasta:
– 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (120g) grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the lemon garlic sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced.

4. Make the creamy pasta sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine the chicken and pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Add the cooked chicken to the pasta and toss everything together to combine.

6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the lemon garlic chicken with creamy bowtie pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips

– Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh lemons and real Parmesan cheese.
– Don’t overcook the chicken – it should be cooked through, but still tender.
– If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
– Add some chopped spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
– This recipe is perfect for a quick and indulgent dinner – enjoy!