Name: Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning chicken); 1/8 teaspoon pepper (for seasoning chicken); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for seasoning chicken); 1 teaspoon onion powder (for seasoning chicken); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for seasoning chicken); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing chicken); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 each lemon (zest and juice) (zest finely grated, juice freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing chicken); 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce); 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature if possible); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best); 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred); 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce; adjust to taste); 1 pinch pepper, to taste; to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, zesty, and comfortingly rich — this Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan is the kind of weeknight meal that tastes like a treat but comes together in less time than you think. Juicy strips of seasoned chicken swim in a silky lemon-garlic Parmesan sauce, hugging every twist of bowtie pasta for a dish that’s both elegant and cozy. Fun fact: bowtie pasta, also called farfalle, was originally inspired by little butterflies — and you might find yourself doing a happy little dance when the first bite hits.

This recipe is special because it balances bright citrus with indulgent cream and cheese while staying simple enough for busy families. It’s quicker than many oven-baked casseroles and more comforting than a plain pasta night. If you love flavor-forward chicken pastas, try it after exploring my take on garlic butter chicken balls — a great follow-up to keep dinner excitement alive: https://recipesfiber.com/garlic-butter-chicken-balls-with-creamy-parmesan-pasta/. Give this one a shot — everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

What is Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan?

What’s in a name? Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan practically describes itself: bowtie-shaped pasta dressed in a luscious lemon and garlic cream sauce with Parmesan and tender chicken. Curious about why anyone would call it that? Did someone tie a bow for the pasta before cooking? Probably not, but the name does make you smile — and isn’t that the point of dinner sometimes?

There’s a playful story that the dish got its name because the sauce “ties” all the flavors together — rich, tangy, and garlicky — kind of like how “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you’re feeding family, impressing a date, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers. Ready to give it a try? You’ll love how forgiving and delicious it is.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, bright, and comforting: The lemon and garlic brighten the heavy cream and Parmesan, giving a silky sauce that coats every bowtie perfectly. Each bite is a balance of acid, fat, and savory goodness.
Budget-friendly and satisfying: Chicken breasts and pantry pasta make this an economical dinner that feels restaurant-worthy without breaking the bank. Leftovers stretch easily into lunch the next day.
Customizable toppings and textures: Finish with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. The toppings make every plate pop.

If you enjoy other lemony pasta dishes on the blog, you might also like this variation with garlic butter chicken and lemon Parmesan flavors: https://recipesfiber.com/garlic-butter-chicken-with-lemon-parmesan-pasta/. Try both and see which becomes your go-to.

Make it tonight — your kitchen will smell amazing and your family will thank you.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward, takes about 30–35 minutes total, and delivers a creamy, tangy sauce with perfectly cooked chicken. You’ll boil the pasta, sear seasoned chicken strips until golden, add a quick lemon-garlic finish, then build the cream-Parmesan sauce in the same skillet so every flavor is concentrated. The standout element is the silky lemon-garlic cream sauce that clings to the bowties.

Approximate time: 10 minutes prep, 20–25 minutes cooking, about 30–35 minutes total.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning chicken)
1/8 teaspoon pepper (for seasoning chicken)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (for seasoning chicken)
1 teaspoon onion powder (for seasoning chicken)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for seasoning chicken)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing chicken)
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon (zest finely grated, juice freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon butter (for finishing chicken)
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature if possible)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce; adjust to taste)
1 pinch pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz bowtie pasta and cook until just tender (al dente). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer; let them sizzle and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Timing may vary slightly depending on strip thickness.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then add 1 tablespoon butter and let it melt, coating the chicken with the lemon-garlic flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Turn off the heat briefly if the pan is too hot.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring as it comes to a gentle simmer.
Let the cream mixture cook for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly, then reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a silky sauce.
Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper, then add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat each piece, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if you need to loosen the sauce.
Fold the lemon garlic chicken back into the pasta and stir until everything is combined and heated through.
Spoon the pasta into bowls or onto plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan

What to Serve With

A crisp green salad: Mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette or simple Caesar complements the creamy pasta.
Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts lightly roasted with olive oil and salt add texture and freshness.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette: Great for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Light white wine: A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs nicely with the lemony sauce.
For non-alcoholic options: Sparkling water with lemon or a chilled iced tea balances the richness.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente because it will soften slightly when tossed with the sauce.
Adjust lemon to taste: If you prefer a brighter zip, add more lemon juice gradually.
Reserve pasta water: A splash of starchy pasta water can loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
Chicken thickness: If strips are very thick, pound to even thickness so they cook evenly in the allotted time.
Avoid overheating the sauce: Too-high heat can split cream; keep it on medium-low once you add the cream and Parmesan.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Cream-based pasta doesn’t freeze well; avoid freezing if possible. If you must, freeze without adding fresh herbs and reheat slowly.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.
Note on texture: Cream sauces can thicken upon refrigeration; a little liquid and gentle reheating will restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy. Adjust cooking time since thighs may take slightly longer.

Can I make this dairy-free or lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or a dairy-free creamer for heavy cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce will be lighter but still tasty.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cream-based pasta tends to separate when frozen and reheated, so it’s best stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 3–4 days rather than frozen.

What can I substitute for bowtie pasta?
Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle alternatives will work. Choose shapes that can hold sauce well.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Keep the heat moderate when adding cream and Parmesan. Stir continuously and avoid rapid boiling after adding cheese.

Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can slice and season the chicken ahead of time, and cook the pasta earlier in the day, storing it under a little oil. Finish the sauce and combine when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken & Parmesan is a weeknight winner: quick to make, family-friendly, and full of bright, comforting flavor. The sauce is silky, the chicken stays juicy, and the whole dish comes together with minimal fuss — perfect for busy evenings or easy entertaining. If you’re curious about other creamy lemon-chicken pasta variations, check out this helpful take on Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta for more inspiration: Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta – Dishing Out Health. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family — it’s guaranteed to become a favorite.