Imagine a weeknight dinner that is not only quick and easy but also bursts with flavor. This Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Bowtie Pasta dish fits the bill perfectly! As a child, I remember sitting at the dinner table, eagerly awaiting my mother’s signature chicken dish. The aroma of garlic and lemon would waft through the house, promising a delicious meal. It was one of those comforting recipes that brought our family together, and now, I’m excited to share it with you.
This dish is versatile enough for various occasions, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends. The tangy lemon and savory garlic elevate the chicken bites, while the creamy bowtie pasta complements the dish beautifully. Let’s dive into the preparation of this delectable meal that will surely become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Creamy Bowtie Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Lemon
Once the chicken is nearly done, stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. This is where the magic happens, as the aroma of garlic and lemon fills the kitchen!
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of lemon, garlic, and creamy pasta.
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth of flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken Bites: Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Cream Sauce: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
- Avoid Burning Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so make sure to add it to the pan towards the end of cooking the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade would complement the lemony flavors beautifully.
Tips
- Meal Prep: You can prepare the chicken bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just sauté them when you’re ready to serve.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken bites before cooking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 650mg
FAQs:
Q1: Can I make this dish gluten-free? A1: Yes! Substitute the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta options available in stores.
Q2: What can I use instead of chicken broth? A2: You can use vegetable broth or homemade stock for a lighter flavor.
Q3: Can I prepare the creamy sauce in advance? A3: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.
Q4: How can I make the dish more tangy? A4: Increase the amount of lemon juice or zest to enhance the citrus flavor.
Conclusion:
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a delightful recipe that is sure to please your family and friends. The bright flavors of lemon combined with savory garlic and creamy pasta create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your experience and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites with Creamy Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Creamy Bowtie Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Lemon
Once the chicken is nearly done, stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. This is where the magic happens, as the aroma of garlic and lemon fills the kitchen!
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of lemon, garlic, and creamy pasta.
Notes
- Chicken Bites: Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Cream Sauce: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
- Avoid Burning Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so make sure to add it to the pan towards the end of cooking the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sodium: 650
- Protein: 35