Creamy Lemon Chicken Bow Tie Pasta

Bow Tie Lemon Chicken

Bow Tie Lemon Chicken is a versatile dish that shines as both a main course and a delightful side. Whether served warm or cold, this dish balances bright, zesty flavors with creamy, comforting textures. It is perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or a satisfying dinner, making it a go-to recipe in any culinary repertoire. Let’s dive deep into the specifics of this flavorful recipe, from ingredients and nutritional information to step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect preparation.

Recipe Overview

Name: Bow Tie Lemon Chicken
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, < 60 Mins, Stove Top, Easy
Rating: 5 stars from 10 reviews
Calories: 393.1 per serving

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients measured out to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures:

Bow Tie Pasta: 4 2/3 cups
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: 12 oz, cut into bite-sized pieces
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Canola Oil: 1 tablespoon
Chicken Broth: 1 cup
Carrot: 1 medium, thinly sliced
Cream Cheese: 1/2 cup, softened
Salt: 2/3 teaspoon
Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 393.1 kcal
Fat: 12.1 g
Saturated Fat: 4.4 g
Cholesterol: 102.5 mg
Sodium: 642.3 mg
Carbohydrates: 39.6 g
Fiber: 3.5 g
Sugars: 3.9 g
Protein: 30.4 g

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package directions. This typically involves boiling water, adding a bit of salt, and cooking the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, sprinkle the chicken breast pieces with lemon pepper seasoning. This will impart a zesty flavor to the chicken that complements the lemon juice added later in the recipe.
Stir-Fry the Chicken and Garlic: In a large non-stick skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for about 7-8 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, thinly sliced carrots, softened cream cheese, and lemon juice. Cook and stir this mixture over medium heat until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth sauce. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and salt to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy, lemony sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve: Serve the Bow Tie Lemon Chicken warm for a comforting meal, or let it cool down to room temperature if you prefer a cold pasta dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Variations

Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to this dish. Peas, bell peppers, or spinach would make great additions and boost the nutritional profile.
Lemon Zest: For an added citrus punch, you can include lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
Substitute Protein: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a different take on the dish.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative or use a bit of coconut cream for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Bow Tie Lemon Chicken can be paired with a variety of side dishes or served on its own:

Green Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to complement the creamy sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans can add more vegetables to your meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can be kept for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the pasta has absorbed too much sauce and appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth or a little more lemon juice while reheating to bring back its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Bow Tie Lemon Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture for speed. With its delightful combination of creamy sauce, zesty lemon, and tender chicken, it’s a dish that will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it warm on a cold day or chilled for a refreshing lunch. Either way, this recipe is sure to satisfy and leave you wanting more.

Enjoy creating and savoring this delicious Bow Tie Lemon Chicken dish! If you have any variations or additional tips, feel free to share them. Happy cooking!