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Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta

A joyful balance of bright citrus and rich, silky sauce clinging to bowtie pasta, featuring tender chicken and a buttery garlic cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz Farfalle (bowtie) pasta, dry
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Add the optional 1 teaspoon olive oil and the 12 oz farfalle pasta. Stir and boil the pasta for 12 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain the pasta and cover with a plate to keep warm.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons olive oil and swirl to coat.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix the seasoning blend well.
  4. Add the sliced chicken to the hot skillet and sprinkle with the seasoning mix. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  5. Add 1/2 cup butter to the skillet, swirling until melted. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the 8 cloves garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Slowly add 1 cup heavy cream to the melted butter and garlic, whisking. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
  7. Add 1/3 cup lemon juice to the sauce and whisk to combine. Simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons fresh minced parsley.
  8. Add the cooked chicken into the sauce and toss to combine.
  9. Place the hot pasta in a bowl and stir to prevent clumping. Add the chicken and sauce to the pasta and toss. Add 3/4 cup grated parmesan and mix.
  10. Serve immediately with additional parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear. Keep heat at medium-low to avoid curdling the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta, Lemon Chicken Pasta, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal