Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Looking for the perfect quick weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss? This garlic butter chicken pasta is your new go-to recipe! Combining tender chicken pieces with bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, this dish comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup—perfect for busy families.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can have a comforting, satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The bowtie pasta catches the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Finish and serve: Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Expert Tips

• For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
• If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth.
• This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if you don’t have bowtie pasta.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure it stays juicy.

If you love this creamy pasta dish, you might also enjoy our Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce or our Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe for another delicious dinner option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Simply reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking and pat it dry to ensure proper browning.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate upon reheating. For best results, we recommend enjoying it fresh.

For more easy pasta recipes, check out our Monterey Chicken Spaghetti or explore our collection of one-pot comfort food recipes perfect for busy weeknights.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Weeknight Dinner Recipe

This garlic butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken pieces with bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, making it the perfect quick weeknight dinner. The dish comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 485

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Finish and serve: Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Notes

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth. This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.