Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite sized pieces; 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle); 6-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1.5 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Introduction
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a cozy, flavorful dinner that combines tender pieces of chicken with silky, garlicky cream sauce and perfectly al dente bowtie pasta. The dish offers a comforting balance of savory butter, bright garlic, and a salty hit of freshly grated Parmesan. Texture comes from the plump pasta and golden brown chicken, while the sauce clings to each farfalle for a luscious mouthfeel. The aroma of sautéed garlic and butter fills the kitchen and makes it a perfect weeknight treat or an impressive weekend meal when you want something simple yet satisfying. Pair it with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete plate. If you enjoy other rich pasta dinners, you might like this cowboy butter chicken pasta or this creamy rotisserie chicken and broccoli pasta for variation.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs): Cut into bite sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle): Holds the sauce well in its creases and cooks to a pleasant al dente texture.
6-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Provides bright, fragrant garlic flavor; adjust to taste for more or less punch.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives the sauce a rich, silky base without added salt so you can control seasoning.
1.5 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps create a flavorful sauce when deglazing the pan.
1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce smooth and creamy; use full fat for best texture.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty saltiness and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal finish and a pop of color.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and prevents sticking.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into bite sized pieces. Season the pieces with salt, black pepper, and a light sprinkle of garlic powder. Tip: Dry chicken browns better, so removing moisture is helpful.
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Brown the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes depending on piece size. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium low and add the 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Deglaze with broth. Pour in 1.5 cups chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spoon to lift any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for a few minutes to concentrate flavor.
Make the cream sauce. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
Combine pasta and chicken. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce and heat through for a minute or two.
Garnish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Tip: If the sauce tightens as it sits, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: About 6
Calories: Approximately 700 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Use a heavy skillet to brown the chicken evenly and to hold heat while you make the sauce. Grate Parmesan fresh for the best melting and flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: This dish freezes okay, but cream based sauces can change texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze, cool completely, store in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months, and reheat slowly while stirring in liquid to restore creaminess.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only: Swap chicken thighs for breasts for richer flavor, increase the amount of garlic to 8 cloves for a stronger garlic profile, or stir in extra Parmesan for a cheesier finish. For a lighter sauce, use a bit more reserved pasta water and a touch less cream.

Internal recipe inspiration: If you like the bowtie format, try a twist on this concept with the garlic butter beef version at garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta. For handheld dinner ideas using similar flavors, see the cheesy garlic chicken wraps. To explore a spicier creamy pasta idea, consider the buffalo chicken alfredo pasta for inspiration.

FAQ

How long does the chicken need to cook?
Cook bite sized chicken pieces over medium high heat for about 4 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through, or until an instant read thermometer reads 165 degrees F.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and add a bit more richness. Cook times are similar, but ensure pieces reach 165 degrees F.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thin?
Simmer the sauce gently after adding Parmesan so it can thicken. If it is too thin, let it reduce a few minutes or add a little more cheese.
Can I make this dairy free?
This recipe relies on heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan, so it is not dairy free as written without substituting ingredients, which would change the recipe.
What can I use instead of bowtie pasta?
Any short pasta that holds sauce, such as penne or rotini, will work though shapes will change the eating experience.
Is it safe to freeze this creamy pasta?
You can freeze it, but the cream texture may change. Thaw slowly and reheat gently while adding liquid to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is an easy, crowd pleasing meal that comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with irresistible garlic and butter aroma. It is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners when you want comforting, creamy pasta without fuss. If you want another take on this combination of flavors, check this version at Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta – Healthy By Fork, or compare a different cook s take at Garlic Butter Chicken With Bowtie Pasta – Cooked. I hope you try this recipe, enjoy the creamy garlic sauce, and share it with friends and family for a warm, satisfying meal.