Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Easy One-Pan Weeknight Dinner

When weeknight dinners need to be both quick and delicious, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta delivers on all fronts. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting meal that feels restaurant-quality but is incredibly simple to make. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce creates a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

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: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken and pasta back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Final Touches

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

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the garlic: Garlic burns easily, so cook it just until fragrant for the best flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.
• Reserve pasta water: Save 1/2 cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
• Perfect pasta texture: Cook pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
• Customize it: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead, but combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness to the dish. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Easy One-Pan Weeknight Dinner

This quick and delicious garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, creating a comforting restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The dish features tender chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

 

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 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.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken and pasta back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Don’t overcook the garlic as it burns easily. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better sauce texture. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water to thin sauce if needed. Cook pasta al dente as it continues cooking in the hot sauce. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.