Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken Bowties Recipe for Creamy Pasta
A rich, creamy lemon chicken and bowtie pasta dish with a buttery Parmesan sauce. Juicy seared chicken combines with garlic, lemon, and a silky emulsion of heavy cream and Parmesan for a satisfying American comfort meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Bowtie pasta (8 oz)
- Olive oil, extra-virgin (2 tbsp)
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves)
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup)
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup)
- Lemon (juiced and zested from 1 lemon)
- Dried oregano (1 tsp)
- Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp)
- Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: whole-wheat bowties or vegetable broth for vegetarian-friendly version
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes per side). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice and zest, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in reserved pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce. Return chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated.
- Finish with Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
Notes
Use fresh chicken for best juiciness
Chopped chicken thighs can substitute breasts
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter texture
Use vegetable broth and tofu instead of chicken for vegetarian option
Brush lemon zest on finished pasta for extra brightness
Chopped chicken thighs can substitute breasts
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter texture
Use vegetable broth and tofu instead of chicken for vegetarian option
Brush lemon zest on finished pasta for extra brightness
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 32gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g
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