When you’re craving a dish that’s both bright and indulgent, look no further than this Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus & Creamy Bowtie Pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that hits all the right notes—tangy, savory, creamy, and fresh—all in one pan.
This meal brings together juicy lemon-garlic chicken, tender asparagus, and pasta wrapped in a silky, cheesy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s elegant enough for a date night but easy enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus & Creamy Bowtie Pasta
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus & Creamy Bowtie Pasta combines zesty chicken, crisp asparagus, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce for a bold, comforting, and satisfying one-pan meal.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 35 min
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add butter and garlic to the chicken. Sauté for 30 seconds, add lemon juice, then remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté asparagus and garlic for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Gradually add mozzarella and Parmesan, whisking until smooth.
- Add lemon zest, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Add chicken and asparagus back in and stir gently to combine. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Fat: 34 g
- Carbs: 56 g
- Protein: 42 g
Rate This Recipe
Average Rating: 5 (1 votes)
Facebook PinterestThe Inspiration Behind the Dish
This recipe was born from my love of creamy pasta, but with a fresh twist. I’ve made tons of variations over the years, but adding lemon and asparagus truly sets this one apart. The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese, while asparagus brings color, crunch, and a feel-good green vibe.
The bowtie pasta? That’s a texture choice. It holds onto the creamy sauce in the most delightful way, turning every forkful into something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Flavor-Packed Chicken: The lemon and garlic marinade infuses the chicken with zesty, savory notes.
✔ Balanced with Veggies: Asparagus keeps things bright, crisp, and green.
✔ Dreamy, Creamy Sauce: A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a velvety texture you’ll want to mop up with bread.
✔ One Pan = Less Cleanup: The whole dish comes together in just one skillet (after the pasta’s cooked).
Tips for Success
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated is worth it!
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Browning it quickly over medium-high heat locks in flavor and moisture.
- Reserve some pasta water. It’s perfect for thinning out the sauce if needed.
- Add herbs at the end. Fresh parsley or basil gives the final dish a burst of color and brightness.
Variations to Try
- Make it lighter: Swap in half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add seafood: Shrimp or flaky salmon is delicious in this dish.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favorite GF pasta brand.
- Add a little heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce gives a subtle kick.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is super satisfying on its own, but if you’re hosting or just feeling extra, try pairing it with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread (you’ll want to soak up every drop of sauce!)
- Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or cherry tomatoes
- A glass of white wine—Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes! Just cook it a little longer to evaporate any extra moisture.
Q: How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
You can pre-cook the chicken and asparagus, then make the sauce fresh when ready to serve.
Q: Is it spicy?
Not at all. But you can easily add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.
This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus & Creamy Bowtie Pasta is everything a cozy comfort meal should be—bright, creamy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation.
Let me know how it turns out in your kitchen—and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
