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Flavour Quest Recipes

Creamy Lemon Herb Farfalle with Chicken (30 Min Skillet)

Creamy Lemon Herb Farfalle with Chicken is a bright yet comforting skillet dinner that balances fresh citrus with a rich, creamy sauce. Tender chicken and bow-tie pasta are tossed together with herbs, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon for a flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something fresh, satisfying, and easy to make.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
  • 1 lb Chicken breast, boneless + skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 3 Cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • ½ cup Chicken broth
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 Lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice fresh
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or mixed dry herbs
  • ½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper
  • ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes optional
  • ¼ cup Pasta water reserved, use as needed
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped (optional garnish)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook farfalle according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the sauce is smooth and lightly thickened
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked farfalle. Toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.