Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Weeknight Dinner Recipe
This garlic butter chicken pasta is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, comforting meal on the table fast. With tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce that comes together in one pan, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish will become your new go-to comfort food.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the garlic butter sauce coats every piece of pasta and chicken, creating a creamy, luxurious texture without heavy cream. The bowtie pasta catches the sauce perfectly in its folds, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish proves that impressive dinners don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets nicely browned rather than steamed.
Use fresh garlic: While convenient, jarred minced garlic doesn’t deliver the same fresh, vibrant flavor as freshly minced garlic cloves. The extra minute of prep is worth it for the superior taste.
Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold for creating silky sauces. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and adjusts consistency without diluting flavor.
Customize with vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color. This garlic butter vegetable side dish would also pair beautifully.
If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our creamy pesto chicken pasta bake or this 30-minute garlic Parmesan chicken pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, penne, fettuccine, or rotini would also work well. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the components separately, but combine them just before serving for the best texture. The sauce may thicken when refrigerated.
What sides go well with this pasta? A simple green salad or roasted vegetables like our pesto green beans complement this rich pasta perfectly.
For more quick dinner inspiration, check out our 30-minute chicken Parmesan casserole or explore our collection of one-pot pasta recipes for easy cleanup.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
