Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz Farfalle pasta; 1 tsp olive oil (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced; 1/4 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup butter; 8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup lemon juice; 3 tbsp fresh minced parsley; 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta

Introduction
This Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta is a comforting, bright weeknight dinner that balances silky, rich sauce with a fresh lemon lift. The farfalle soaks up the garlicky, buttery cream while sliced chicken adds tender, savory bites. Expect a velvety texture from the heavy cream and butter, a bright, tangy aroma from the lemon juice, and a savory finish from grated parmesan and fresh parsley. It is ideal for family dinners, casual entertaining, or anytime you want a satisfying pasta that feels a little special without fuss. If you enjoy creamy chicken pasta recipes, try a different flavor profile with this creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta for another cozy meal idea.

Ingredients

12 oz Farfalle (bowtie) pasta, a sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well.
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional), helps prevent pasta from sticking if you prefer.
2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing the chicken and adding flavor.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced, the main protein, cut into even pieces for quick cooking.
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, adds subtle herb notes that complement lemon.
1/2 teaspoon paprika, for mild color and a hint of warmth.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, freshly ground if possible for brighter flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt, to season the chicken and draw out flavor.
1/2 cup butter, builds the creamy, rich base of the sauce.
8 cloves garlic, peeled and minced, gives a fragrant, savory backbone to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream, creates the luscious, silky texture of the sauce.
1/3 cup lemon juice, provides bright acidity and lemon aroma.
3 tablespoons fresh minced parsley, adds color and a fresh herbal finish.
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, brings salty, nutty depth to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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 for 12 minutes or according to package directions. Drain the pasta and cover to keep warm. Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta cooking water if you prefer a looser sauce later.
Prepare the chicken by heating a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, adding 2 tablespoons olive oil. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Cook the sliced chicken in a single layer in the hot skillet, seasoning with the spice mix. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until done. Remove from skillet and set aside. Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan so the chicken sears instead of steams.
In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup butter and melt over medium-low heat. Add 8 cloves garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Watch the garlic closely so it does not brown.
Slowly whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 5 minutes. Keep the heat moderate so the cream thickens without boiling vigorously.
Stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice and parsley, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust balance by adding a touch more lemon juice if you want brighter acidity.
Toss the cooked chicken with the sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated and warm.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce, adding 1/2 cup of the 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
Serve with additional parmesan cheese and parsley as desired.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 1060 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tip: Slice the chicken evenly so pieces cook in the same time. Let the skillet get hot before adding chicken to get a light sear.
Tip: If you want a looser sauce, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid breaking the cream sauce.
Freezing: This dish is best frozen without pasta. Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Flavor variations using only existing ingredients:
- Increase brightness by adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce.
- Make it more garlicky by adding 1 or 2 more minced cloves of garlic while sautéing.
- Boost cheesiness by stirring in the remaining 1/4 cup grated parmesan at the end for a richer finish.
For a similar comforting pasta, see the Velveeta chicken rotini pasta delight which uses a different cheese-forward approach.

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Any sturdy pasta works well with this sauce and chicken. Bowtie holds sauce nicely, but penne or rotini will also work.
Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich, silky texture. For a lighter result do not substitute with low-fat milk.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part or when juices run clear and there is no pink in the center.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Cook and chill the chicken and keep sauce separate. Reheat and combine before serving.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté garlic over medium-low heat and remove from direct high heat as soon as it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.

Conclusion

I hope this Creamy Lemon Chicken with Pasta becomes a new favorite in your weeknight lineup. The balance of rich cream, bright lemon, and savory parmesan makes it simple and satisfying. For another take on lemony chicken pasta try this version from Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta – Salt & Lavender for inspiration, or compare methods with Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta (30 minutes only!) – Joyous Apron. If you make this recipe, please share how it turned out and any tweaks you enjoyed. Happy cooking and enjoy every comforting, lemony bite.