Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy has become my absolute go-to for those nights when I need something delicious and impressive without a ton of fuss. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of garlic and lemon filling my kitchen was just heavenly, and the resulting tender chicken and velvety sauce had my family asking for seconds before they even finished their first plates! It’s truly an easy lemon garlic chicken that delivers big on flavor. You’re going to love how quickly it comes together. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy
This dish is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore the incredibly tender chicken and the rich, creamy sauce. It’s a fantastic garlic butter chicken with lemon cream that tastes gourmet but is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that uses common pantry staples. The whole family will devour this flavorful garlic butter chicken with lemon cream, and you’ll love that it’s a satisfying dinner that feels special without a lot of effort.
- Incredible flavor from garlic and lemon
- Fast prep and cook time
- Satisfies a craving for comfort food
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Crowd-pleasing for all ages
- Versatile for different dietary needs
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a fantastic lemon garlic chicken sauce recipe. You’ll need:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- 8 oz bowtie pasta – or any short pasta shape you love
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the chicken
- 1 tablespoon butter – adds richness to the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced – the star of our savory flavor
- 1 lemon juiced and zested – for that bright, tangy kick
- 1 cup heavy cream – the key to our luscious sauce
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a salty, cheesy depth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional – if you like a little heat
- Salt to taste – essential for bringing out all the flavors
- Black pepper to taste – freshly ground is best
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for a fresh garnish
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water – this starchy water helps emulsify the sauce
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy
- Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 8 oz bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, scoop out and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water – this liquid gold is crucial for our sauce! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare your chicken. Cut the 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. For an extra zing, you can add a splash of lemon juice and the red pepper flakes now.
- Step 3: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Sear the chicken for about 7–9 minutes total, turning occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This lemon garlic chicken stovetop method ensures a lovely sear.
- Step 4: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the 1 tablespoon of butter and the 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for just about 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant – watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! Stir in the lemon juice and zest, letting the bright citrus aroma fill your kitchen.
- Step 5: Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer for about 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Gradually stir in the 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. This is where the magic happens for our lemon garlic chicken stovetop creation.
- Step 6: Add the drained pasta directly into the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired silky consistency. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything to combine, ensuring the chicken is coated in the delicious sauce.
- Step 7: Finally, garnish your masterpiece with the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if you feel it needs it. Serve your delightful lemon garlic chicken stovetop dish immediately, perhaps with a little extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top!
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy
To elevate this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These simple steps ensure you get the most flavor and the perfect texture every time you whip up this creamy chicken pasta.
- Always use fresh lemon juice and zest; bottled just doesn’t have the same bright pop.
- Don’t overcook the chicken when searing – it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need; it’s your secret weapon for a silky sauce.
- Let the heavy cream come to room temperature before adding it to the pan to prevent it from curdling.
What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy?
The secret lies in the panade – a mixture of milk-soaked breadcrumbs or, in this case, milk-soaked pasta. It creates a wonderfully tender chicken and a smooth, emulsified sauce. Using reserved pasta water also helps bind everything together beautifully. For more on emulsification techniques, you can check out resources on sauce making.
Can I make Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy ahead of time?
You can prepare most of the components ahead! Cook the chicken and pasta separately, and make the sauce. Store them individually in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the chicken and pasta, and toss with a little reserved pasta water to bring it all back together. This is similar to how you might prepare components for a creamy Tuscan scallops recipe.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy?
The biggest mistake is curdled sauce; ensure your cream is at room temperature. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken initially, as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Lastly, don’t skip reserving pasta water; it’s crucial for achieving that perfect creamy consistency.
Best Ways to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy
This delightful dish is so versatile, it shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with simple sides. For a complete meal, I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed broccoli or asparagus also make excellent companions, adding a fresh, vibrant element. If you’re looking for a perfect pairing, consider a glass of crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – it complements the bright lemon and garlic flavors beautifully. This creamy chicken pasta lemon garlic is truly a treat for any occasion. For other great dinner ideas, explore our dinner recipes.
Nutrition Facts for Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this delicious lemon garlic chicken creamy dish. It offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal.
- Calories: 610
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, you can refer to resources from the FDA.
How to Store and Reheat Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy
Once you’ve enjoyed this incredible simple lemon garlic chicken dinner, you’ll want to know how to keep those leftovers tasting just as amazing. First, let the dish cool down slightly at room temperature for about an hour before storing. This prevents condensation buildup, which can make things soggy. Transfer the cooled chicken and pasta to airtight containers. You can keep this delightful dish in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the creaminess. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This method works well for many chicken dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy
How to make lemon garlic chicken creamy without heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can try using half-and-half or even milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess) or a cashew cream can work wonderfully. These alternatives can help achieve a lovely sauce for your lemon garlic chicken creamy dish.
What is the best pasta to use for creamy lemon garlic chicken?
Bowtie pasta is fantastic because its shape holds the creamy sauce so well, but feel free to experiment! Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are excellent choices. Even spaghetti or linguine can work if you want to try a different texture for your lemon garlic chicken creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this lemon garlic chicken creamy recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for adding your favorite veggies. Sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli florets, asparagus, or peas are all delicious additions that can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. It makes for a more complete and vibrant lemon garlic chicken creamy meal.
How do I make the lemon flavor stronger in my lemon garlic chicken creamy?
For a more pronounced lemon flavor, don’t be shy with both the lemon juice and the zest. You can even add a little more lemon juice at the end of cooking, right before serving, to brighten up all the flavors. A small squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished plate also works wonders!
Variations of Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy You Can Try
This lemon garlic chicken creamy recipe is so adaptable, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s a fantastic base for creativity in the kitchen!
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or stir in some finely chopped jalapeño with the garlic.
- Veggie Boost: Create a more substantial meal by adding sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or asparagus spears into the sauce along with the pasta. This is a great way to make a healthy lemon garlic chicken recipe.
- Different Pasta Shapes: While bowtie pasta is lovely, feel free to use penne, fettuccine, or even gnocchi for a fun twist on this garlic lemon chicken with cream sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for the heavy cream and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a delicious dairy-free version of this creamy garlic chicken with lemon.
Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Creamy Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta is a quick and impressive dinner. It features juicy chicken and buttery bowtie pasta coated in a rich, creamy lemon-garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a flavorful, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Optionally, add lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
- Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 7–9 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Pour in heavy cream, simmer 2–3 minutes, then stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Return chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as desired. Serve immediately with extra cheese if you like.
Notes
- Let the cream come to room temperature before adding to the pan to avoid curdling.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most natural flavor.
- Don’t forget to save pasta water — it helps make the sauce silky and smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg