Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Your New Family Favorite

There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce that makes this dish an instant family favorite. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. The bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is perfect for holding onto the flavorful sauce, while the chicken adds protein to make it a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted 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 Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5: Final Touches

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter. Cook it just until fragrant – about 30-60 seconds is perfect.

Reserve Pasta Water: Always save about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, well-emulsified sauce.

Chicken Temperature: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness.

Fresh vs Dried Herbs: While dried Italian seasoning works well, fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish even further.

Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy sauce, add an additional 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese.

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 keep in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best served fresh. The pasta may absorb the sauce if stored for too long.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
We don’t recommend freezing this dish as creamy sauces can separate when thawed and reheated.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli would be delicious additions. Sauté them with the garlic for best results.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Your New Family Favorite

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce for a comforting family meal. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 580

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted 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

Method

 

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Don’t overcook the garlic – cook just until fragrant (30-60 seconds). Always reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce. Cook chicken to 165°F internal temperature for food safety.