One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Name: One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; 3 cups uncooked bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half; 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Warm, comforting, and made in a single pan, this One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is the kind of weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken seared to a golden brown mingle with al dente farfalle in a silky garlic cream sauce, studded with melted mozzarella and nutty Parmesan. The aroma of sautéed garlic and Italian seasoning fills the kitchen, while the cheese creates a smooth, stringy finish that kids and adults both love. This dish delivers a delightful contrast of textures, with tender chicken, chewy pasta, and a creamy sauce that clings to every bowtie. It is ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or a cozy meal when you want comfort without a lot of cleanup. If you enjoy other easy pasta meals, you might also like garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta for another cheesy bowtie twist.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for searing the chicken and adding richness. Use olive oil for a lighter flavor or butter for a deeper, nutty taste.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, the main protein that browns nicely and stays tender when cut small.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, a convenient herb blend that adds savory, herbal notes.
1/2 teaspoon salt, to season the chicken and sauce. Adjust to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, for gentle heat and background flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced, provides aromatic, savory depth to the sauce.
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium), the cooking liquid that flavors the pasta and keeps the dish saucy. Low sodium lets you control the salt level.
3 cups uncooked bowtie pasta (farfalle), the shape holds sauce well and gives pleasing texture.
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half, adds creaminess without overpowering richness.
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional), for an extra luxurious, silky sauce if you want a richer finish.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, melts into gooey strings and mild creaminess.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, adds savory, umami, slightly nutty intensity.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish), adds a fresh, bright finish and color contrast.

For another quick cheesy chicken option, check out these cheesy garlic chicken wraps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken so it browns rather than steams.
Season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Cook the chicken in the hot pan for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and fully cooked, then remove and set aside. Tip: do not overcrowd the pan so the chicken gets a nice golden crust.
In the same pan, sauté the 4 cloves minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant. Watch closely so the garlic does not burn.
Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits for extra flavor.
Stir in the 3 cups uncooked bowtie pasta, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. If the liquid looks too low, stir and allow it to cook a little longer while checking doneness.
Stir in 1 cup whole milk (and 1/2 cup heavy cream if using) and add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and let the sauce thicken slightly.
Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, stirring until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Tip: lower the heat before adding cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth melt.
Garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, and serve hot.

A helpful reference for similar one-pan pasta technique is available at one-pan butter parmesan pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 560 kcal per serving (with heavy cream included)

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips:
- Cut the chicken into consistent bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Keep a close eye on the pasta as it simmers and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth or milk at the end.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.
Freezing:
- Creamy pasta can change texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze, cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly, adding a little milk to restore creaminess.
Flavor variations using the existing ingredients:
- Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer, slightly nutty flavor.
- Swap whole milk for half-and-half to make the sauce creamier without using heavy cream.
- Omit the heavy cream for a lighter sauce while keeping the same taste profile.
- Increase the Parmesan for a sharper, more savory finish.

For another creamy chicken pasta idea, see this creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta for inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay moist. Keep the same cooking time for bite-sized pieces.

Q: Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
A: No. The pasta cooks directly in the chicken broth in the same pan, which saves time and dishes.

Q: Can I skip the heavy cream?
A: Yes. The dish will still be creamy with milk or half-and-half. Heavy cream is optional for extra richness.

Q: How do I know when the pasta is done?
A: Taste a piece after 12 minutes. It should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite, or al dente.

Q: Is low sodium chicken broth required?
A: Low sodium is recommended so you can control salt levels, but regular broth works if you reduce added salt.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can double it in a very large pan, but ensure there is enough liquid and space for the pasta to cook evenly.

Conclusion

This One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is a simple, comforting recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and anyone who loves a creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken. If you want more one-pot creamy pasta ideas to try, check out this One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggie Pasta for a veggie-packed version, or this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta | Vegan Fettucine Alfredo for a plant-based take on creamy garlic pasta. Give this recipe a try, and please share your photos or notes so others can enjoy it too.