Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken breast pieces sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked farfalle pasta, and finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s a family favorite that’s both elegant enough for company and easy enough for busy weeknights.
What makes this recipe special is the combination of simple ingredients that create incredible flavor. The bowtie pasta (farfalle) catches the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with that delicious garlic butter goodness. If you’re looking for more comforting chicken pasta recipes, this one will quickly become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter 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: In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor to the sauce!
Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Stir in Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple garlic Parmesan side dish or a fresh salad.
Expert Tips
Pasta Perfection: Cook your bowtie pasta just until al dente—it will continue to cook slightly when you toss it with the hot sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
Garlic Timing: Don’t overcook the garlic! It only needs 1-2 minutes to become fragrant. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
Creamy Consistency: The reserved pasta water is gold! The starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a silky texture without needing thickeners.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
If you enjoy this creamy pasta dish, you might also love our Cajun chicken spaghetti for another flavorful weeknight option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, you can use penne, fusilli, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
How can I make this dish lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. You could also use a one-pot cooking method to reduce cleanup.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken pasta?
This dish is complete on its own, but it pairs well with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter 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.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
