A delightful fusion of flavors, lemon garlic chicken with asparagus creamy bowtie pasta is a perfect balance of citrusy, garlicky, creamy, and umami notes. This dish combines tender chicken breast, crisp-tender asparagus, al dente bowtie pasta, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with the bright touch of lemon. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, it offers a comforting yet refreshing taste experience.
TL;DR
- Flavorful: Citrusy lemon, rich garlic, and creamy Parmesan sauce
- Protein-packed: Uses chicken breast as the main protein
- Nutritious: Includes asparagus for added fiber and vitamins
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for a weeknight meal
- Pairings: Serve with garlic bread and a glass of white wine
lemon garlic chicken with asparagus creamy bowtie pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta farfalle
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing Ingredients
- Using a chef’s knife, finely chop garlic and slice chicken breast into even pieces. Trim the asparagus, removing the tough ends.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken and Asparagus
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté chicken breast until golden brown, seasoning with black pepper and lemon zest.
- Add asparagus and cook until crisp-tender.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook bowtie pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for the sauce.
Step 4: Making the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken and asparagus back into the skillet.
- Toss with bowtie pasta, adjusting with pasta water if needed.
- Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta.
- Serve hot with garlic bread on the side.
- Pair with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay.
- Enjoy a rich, creamy, and citrusy meal!
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken and Asparagus: The Perfect Pairing
Chicken breast is the ideal choice for this dish due to its tender texture and ability to absorb flavors. It’s seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and lemon zest, then sautéed in a skillet until golden brown. Asparagus, a seasonal vegetable, adds a crisp-tender bite and a hint of freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
- Chicken is a high-protein ingredient that pairs well with a variety of flavors.
- Asparagus is rich in Vitamin C and brings a vibrant green color to the dish.
- Both ingredients are sautéed in olive oil, ensuring a flavorful foundation.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the overall taste.
Bowtie Pasta: The Ideal Base
Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is chosen for its ability to hold creamy sauces well while maintaining a satisfying bite. Cooked al dente, it provides the perfect texture against the tender chicken and crisp asparagus.
- Bowtie pasta has ridges that allow the sauce to cling to it.
- Cooking it al dente ensures it remains firm and doesn’t turn mushy.
- A pasta alternative like zucchini noodles can be used for a low-carb option.
- Stirring the pasta directly into the sauce helps it absorb flavors better.
Flavor Enhancements
The Power of Garlic and Lemon
A combination of garlic and lemon zest creates a deep, aromatic base. The garlicky undertones blend seamlessly with the citrusy freshness of lemon.
- Garlic is a key aromatic that provides a savory depth to the sauce.
- Lemon zest enhances the citrusy profile without adding excess liquid.
- A hint of black pepper and red pepper flakes adds subtle heat.
- Finishing with fresh parsley gives a herbaceous lift to the dish.
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
The creamy texture of the dish comes from a luscious heavy cream and Parmesan cheese sauce. Simmering the sauce allows it to thicken, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly.
- Heavy cream creates a rich, velvety consistency.
- Parmesan cheese provides an umami boost and salty balance.
- Simmering the sauce properly ensures it doesn’t separate.
- Substituting coconut milk can make the dish dairy-free.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Preparing Ingredients
Using a chef’s knife, finely chop garlic and slice chicken breast into even pieces. Trim the asparagus, removing the tough ends.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken and Asparagus
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté chicken breast until golden brown, seasoning with black pepper and lemon zest.
- Add asparagus and cook until crisp-tender.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook bowtie pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water for the sauce.
Step 4: Making the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken and asparagus back into the skillet.
- Toss with bowtie pasta, adjusting with pasta water if needed.
- Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta.
- Serve hot with garlic bread on the side.
- Pair with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay.
- Enjoy a rich, creamy, and citrusy meal!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper Refrigeration
To keep leftovers fresh, store the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent separation.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore texture.
Final Thoughts
This lemon garlic chicken with asparagus creamy bowtie pasta is a dish that brings together bright citrus, savory garlic, creamy Parmesan, and tender chicken in a comforting yet refreshing meal. Whether you serve it for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, it’s bound to impress. Pair it with garlic bread and a glass of white wine for the perfect dining experience!