Best Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Herb Butter Sauce
A zesty Italian-American pasta dish combining tender chicken, lemon butter, and al dente bowtie pasta. Bright citrus and herb flavors balanced with creamy, silky sauce for a quick weeknight or elegant meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (4 cups) bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
Instructions
- Cook farfalle pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, whisking to blend.
- Stir in dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add olive oil to a separate skillet and cook chicken breasts until golden and cooked through (6-8 minutes per side).
- Pour herb butter sauce over cooked chicken, simmering briefly to coat.
- Toss warmed pasta into the skillet to combine with chicken and sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Notes
Use olive oil to prevent butter from burning during chicken cooking
Add 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest to the sauce for intensified citrus aroma
Substitute chicken breasts with shredded cooked chicken from previous meals
For vegetarian version, omit chicken and use vegetable broth
Add 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest to the sauce for intensified citrus aroma
Substitute chicken breasts with shredded cooked chicken from previous meals
For vegetarian version, omit chicken and use vegetable broth
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 10mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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