Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta
This garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes! Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked farfalle pasta for a meal that will become an instant family favorite. The combination of savory garlic, creamy butter, and hearty pasta creates a dish that’s both elegant enough for company and simple enough for busy weeknights.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the bowtie pasta (farfalle) captures every drop of the delicious garlic butter sauce in its little folds and crevices. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re looking for more easy one-pan chicken pasta recipes, this is the perfect place to start.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor to the sauce!
Step 6: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If you enjoy creamy garlic Parmesan dishes, you’ll love this sauce.
Step 7: Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
Step 8: Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Expert Tips
Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta al dente since it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. The bowtie shape is perfect for this dish because it holds sauce beautifully in its folds.
Garlic Timing: Don’t overcook the garlic! It only needs about 60 seconds to become fragrant. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded for the best melting and flavor. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can make sauces grainy.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For another great meal prep chicken pasta recipe, try our cowboy butter version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works perfectly, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta that holds sauce well. For more pasta inspiration, check out our Cajun chicken spaghetti recipe.
How can I make this dish healthier? You can use whole wheat bowtie pasta, reduce the butter by half, and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli also boosts nutrition.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine when ready to serve. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a few hours.
What to serve with garlic butter chicken pasta? This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, try it with our garlic butter green beans and mushrooms.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor to the sauce!
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
- Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat.
