Lemon Garlic Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
A comforting, zesty, and savory pasta dish that blends the brightness of lemon, the aroma of garlic, and the richness of cream — all beautifully coating bowtie (farfalle) pasta for the perfect weeknight or date-night dinner.
Time Required
Step Time
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Pasta:
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Salt, for boiling water
Suce:
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 large lemon (~3 tablespoons)
1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges
Additional grated Parmesan
Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente (usually 10–12 minutes).
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil (or butter).
Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn).
Add lemon zest and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add Cream and Lemon Juice
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and seasonings.
Let simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce (start with 2 tbsp).
Let simmer for 1–2 minutes until creamy and well coated.
5. Serve
Plate the pasta and top with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a lemon wedge.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~490 kcal
Protein 13 g
Carbohydrates 47 g
Fat 28 g
Saturated Fat 15 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 3 g
Sodium 430 mg
Calcium ~180 mg
Note: This is an estimate. Use a nutrition calculator for more precise tracking.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Penne, fusilli, or linguine all work well. Bowtie pasta is ideal for holding creamy sauces due to its shape.
Q2: Can I make it vegan or dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use a plant-based butter or olive oil, canned coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
Q3: Can I add protein to this dish?
A: Yes. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms. They all pair beautifully with lemon garlic flavors.
Q4: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Q5: How can I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Tips for Best Results
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Don’t overcook the garlic—it turns bitter quickly.
For a tangier flavor, add extra lemon zest or a splash of white wine to the sauce.