Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta – Easy Family Favorite Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta – Easy Family Favorite Recipe

This garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked farfalle pasta, and a rich buttery garlic sauce, this dish will quickly become your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible!
If you’re looking for more delicious chicken pasta recipes, try our Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake for another easy family meal option.
Ingredients

- 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions in salted water 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 Italian seasoning. 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.
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 thickens slightly.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked bowtie 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: Stir in fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
For a complete meal, pair this pasta with our Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans as a quick and delicious side dish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the garlic: Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter. Cook it just until fragrant for the best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps create a silky, well-emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a much better flavor than pre-minced or garlic powder.
- Customize with vegetables: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
If you enjoy this garlic butter combination, you’ll love our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for another easy one-pan dinner option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer.
How long does this pasta keep in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for best results, cook and serve immediately. The pasta can become mushy if stored in the sauce for too long.
What can I serve with this pasta?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like our Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta – Easy Family Favorite Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. 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.
- 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 thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked bowtie 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.
- Stir in fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
