Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons Butter; 4 cloves Fresh minced garlic; 8 ounces Bowtie pasta; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is a cozy, weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together quickly and tastes like comfort on a plate. Tender chicken breasts pan-seared in glossy butter carry a rich garlic aroma that coats every bite of al dente bowtie pasta. The texture contrast between the juicy chicken and the slight chew of the bowties, finished with a light grating of Parmesan, makes this a simple but satisfying meal. It is ideal for busy evenings, casual dinner guests, or when you want a no-fuss, flavorful main dish. If you love buttery pasta dinners, you might also enjoy this variation on beef and bowties like the garlic butter beef with cheesy bowtie pasta. For another chicken and pasta idea with bold flavor, see the cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe.

Ingredients

1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Short, clear explanation: Lean protein, slice if needed to ensure even cooking.
3 tablespoons Butter
Short, clear explanation: Provides the cooking fat and creates the garlic butter sauce.
4 cloves Fresh minced garlic
Short, clear explanation: Adds bright, fragrant garlic flavor when briefly cooked in butter.
8 ounces Bowtie pasta
Short, clear explanation: Also called farfalle, holds sauce well and offers a pleasant bite.
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Short, clear explanation: Grated over the finished dish for a salty, nutty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pasta by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water if the pasta seems dry when you toss it later. Tip: reserve about 2 tablespoons of pasta water.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice them if needed for even cooking. Slicing thinner pieces shortens cook time and helps reach even doneness.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, swirling the pan to coat the surface. Wait until the butter is fully melted and slightly foamy before adding chicken.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely to rest for a few minutes. Cooking tip: avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
Add the minced garlic to the remaining butter in the skillet and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully so the garlic does not brown.
Return the chicken to the skillet or slice it and combine with the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the garlic and butter. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry to help loosen the sauce and bring everything together.
Finish by grating Parmesan cheese over the top and mixing until the cheese melts into the pasta and chicken. Serve warm immediately.

For more ideas that pair chicken and creamy pasta textures, check this buffalo chicken alfredo pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: approximately 430 kcal per serving

If you want a compact, portable version of this flavor profile, explore how to turn similar ingredients into wraps like these cheesy garlic chicken wraps.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain juices before slicing.
Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce without making it watery.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

Freezing

You can freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations using only the listed ingredients

Extra cheesy finish: Stir an additional tablespoon of grated Parmesan into the warm pasta for a richer texture.
More garlic punch: Increase to 6 cloves of garlic for bolder aroma, adding it the same way in step 5.
Sliced chicken method: Slice the chicken before cooking to speed up the process and get more browned edges.

For a creamier cold-weather take that still highlights rotisserie-style chicken textures, see this inspiration page for ideas like creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but thaw them completely before cooking so they cook evenly and brown properly.
How long does bowtie pasta take to cook?
Bowtie pasta typically takes 8 to 12 minutes to reach al dente, but follow the package for best results.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook components ahead and combine before serving. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Is Parmesan necessary?
Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish, but you can omit it if needed. The dish will still be buttery and garlicky.
What temperature should the chicken reach?
Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and juices run clear. Use a thermometer if desired.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is an easy, comforting dinner that highlights simple ingredients and bold garlic butter flavor. It is perfect for busy weeknights or casual meals with family and friends. If you want another take on this specific recipe, there is a full version on Healthy By Fork that offers additional tips. For a saved community version with reader notes, see the entry at Cooked. I hope you try this recipe soon and share how it turned out with friends and family in a cozy, satisfying meal.