Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

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A Creamy, Zesty Chicken Pasta Dish That Will Brighten Any Weeknight Meal

 15-Word Short Description

Creamy lemon-garlic butter chicken with bowtie pasta—easy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

 Ingredients (US Cups & Measures)

To make this rich, creamy, and delightfully tangy dish, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

  • 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

 Prep and Cook Times

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

  • Servings: 2–3 generous portions

  • Calories: ~580 kcal per serving

 Step-by-Step Instructions

This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly and beautifully. Below is a comprehensive stage-by-stage guide to preparing this comforting yet elevated dish.

 Stage 1 – Cook the Pasta

This recipe uses bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, which holds creamy sauces exceptionally well due to its shape.

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

  2. Add 8 oz of bowtie pasta to the boiling water.

  3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 10-12 minutes).

  4. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid will help emulsify and thicken your sauce later.

  5. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl or directly in the serving skillet if it’s large enough.

 Stage 2 – Prepare the Chicken

Tender, golden-brown chicken adds protein and flavor that balances the rich lemon cream sauce.

  1. Pat dry 2 large chicken breasts with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps them sear better.

  2. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat.

  4. Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan.

  5. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden-brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  6. Remove chicken from the skillet and place on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

 Stage 3 – Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This is the heart of the dish—the luxurious, velvety sauce that binds everything together.

  1. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.

  2. Once melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  3. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.

  4. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in:

    • 1 cup heavy cream

    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

    • Zest of 1 lemon

    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  5. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

  6. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until melted and smooth. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

 Stage 4 – Combine Pasta and Chicken

It’s time to bring everything together and finish this luscious meal.

  1. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly.

  2. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (a little at a time) to loosen it.

  3. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them on top of the pasta.

  4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

  5. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

 Chef’s Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to make sure your Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest

Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the creamy sauce and give the dish its signature zing. Avoid bottled lemon juice—it can taste metallic.

2. Don’t Skip the Parmesan

Parmesan adds saltiness, depth, and umami to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan works best for melting smoothly.

3. Cook Chicken Evenly

Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking ensures even searing and juicy results.

4. Reserve Pasta Water

Don’t forget to save some pasta water! Its starch helps bind and thicken the sauce without needing extra cream.

5. Avoid Overheating the Cream

Simmer the sauce gently. Boiling cream can cause it to separate or curdle, ruining the texture.

6. Add Vegetables (Optional)

Want a veggie boost? Add spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes in Stage 3 after sautéing the garlic.

7. Use a Nonstick or Stainless-Steel Skillet

To prevent burning and for easier cleanup, use a good-quality nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned stainless-steel pan.

 Serving Suggestions

Looking to create a full meal experience? Here are some great pairings:

  • Side Salad: A light arugula or baby spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly.

  • Garlic Bread: Use toasted garlic bread to mop up any extra sauce.

  • Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemon and garlic beautifully.

  • Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, zucchini, or green beans for added nutrition.

 How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

  • While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze it for up to 1 month if necessary. Reheat gently and stir thoroughly.

Reheating:

  • Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency.

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories ~580 kcal
Protein ~36 g
Carbohydrates ~42 g
Fats ~30 g
Fiber ~2 g
Sodium ~550 mg
Sugars ~2 g

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that is rich, flavorful, and bursting with comforting citrusy notes, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken is your answer. It’s a weeknight favorite that feels like restaurant-quality but takes less than 45 minutes to pull together.

From the golden seared chicken to the creamy lemon-garlic sauce clinging to every bowtie, this meal is guaranteed to impress—even if you’re just feeding yourself.

It’s perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or simply when you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to customize with add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.

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