Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner

Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pat dry and cut into bite-sized pieces; Bowtie pasta (Farfalle), cooked until al dente; 1 whole head of fresh garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

This rich and comforting Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner is a weeknight game changer. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces seared to a golden crust mingle with a silky garlic butter and cream sauce that clings to chewy bowtie pasta. The aroma of roasted garlic and butter fills the kitchen, while freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish and chopped parsley brightens each forkful. Texture-wise you get crisped chicken edges, pillowy pasta, and a luxuriously smooth sauce that is indulgent without feeling heavy. It comes together quickly, so it is ideal for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or anytime you want a satisfying one-skillet style pasta. If you love garlic-forward sauces, you might also enjoy this garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta, which shares the same comforting flavors.

Ingredients

1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Pat dry and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Bowtie pasta (Farfalle), Use the package directions to cook until al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
1 whole head of fresh garlic, minced, Fresh garlic gives bright, pungent flavor; mince finely so it cooks evenly.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, Adds richness and helps create the sauce base without extra salt.
1 tablespoon olive oil, Helps sear the chicken and prevents the butter from burning.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, Deglazes the pan and adds savory depth while keeping salt under control.
1 cup heavy cream, Creates the luxurious, creamy body of the sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Stirred in off the heat for a creamy, slightly salty finish.
Fresh chopped parsley, Adds color and a fresh herbal lift when sprinkled on top.

For another easy chicken pasta with bold butter flavor, see cowboy butter chicken pasta.

Step-by-step Instructions

Prep the chicken and aromatics. Pat the chicken breasts dry, cut into bite-sized pieces, and season with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop the parsley. Tip: drying the chicken helps it brown nicely.
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta. Tip: reserve the water before draining so you can thin the sauce if needed.
Sear the chicken. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Cooking tip: avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams.
Make the garlic butter base. Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining butter, then the minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Watch the garlic closely and cook just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Build the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Finish the sauce and combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the seared chicken and the drained pasta, tossing gently to coat evenly. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Serve. Divide among bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!

If you need a shortcut, try using shredded rotisserie chicken and a quick toss as in this creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta for a time-saving variation.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 generous servings
Calories: Approximately 700 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Let the chicken brown undisturbed for a few minutes per side to develop color. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with the reserved pasta water to reach your desired thickness.
Storage: Cool the pasta to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish is best frozen without pasta. Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, stirring in freshly cooked pasta.
Flavor variations using only the listed ingredients: Stir in a little extra minced garlic for an intensified garlic hit, add more grated Parmesan for a cheesier finish, or increase the heavy cream slightly for an even silkier sauce. For a brighter finish, add an extra sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving.
For a different spicy twist using ingredients on hand, pair this dinner mentally with the flavor play found in buffalo chicken alfredo pasta, and adapt spiciness with ingredients you have available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook the bowtie pasta?
Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 12 minutes depending on brand.
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work but cooking time may vary slightly.
Do I need to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and flavor, but you can use about 1 teaspoon garlic powder if needed in a pinch.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Remove the pan from high heat before adding the Parmesan and stir gently. If it looks grainy, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water and whisk to smooth.
Can I make this lower in calories?
Use less butter or heavy cream, and increase the amount of pasta or vegetables if you want to reduce calories per serving.
Is it okay to prepare parts ahead of time?
Yes, chicken can be cooked ahead and refrigerated, then reheated gently when finishing the sauce.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner is a dependable go-to when you want comfort food that comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The garlic butter and cream sauce is indulgent but balanced by Parmesan and parsley, making every bite satisfying. If you enjoy exploring garlic butter pasta techniques, see this helpful Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe for more ideas. For another take that pairs chicken and bowtie pasta with bold garlic and cheese notes, try The Easiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta. Give this recipe a try tonight and share how you dressed it up for your family.