Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Easy Family Favorite Recipe

This garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken pieces swimming in a rich, buttery garlic sauce and clinging to perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, this dish will quickly become your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner. The combination of savory flavors and satisfying textures makes it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is perfect for holding onto the delicious garlic butter sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet 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, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken – cook it in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. If you’re looking for other delicious pasta dishes, try our creamy rotisserie chicken pasta for another quick weeknight option.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Always reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining – you can add a splash to the sauce if it becomes too thick. This garlic butter chicken pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides like our 5-ingredient sesame green beans for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer. The sauce clings well to most pasta varieties.

How should I 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. If you enjoy this type of comforting pasta dish, you might also love our cheesy one-pot chicken Alfredo pasta for another easy dinner option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the components ahead and combine them just before serving for the best texture. The sauce may thicken when refrigerated, so you’ll need to thin it with a little broth when reheating.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Easy Family Favorite Recipe

This garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken pieces swimming in a rich, buttery garlic sauce and clinging to perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, this dish will quickly become your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water. Drain well and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet 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.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties for smoother melting. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken – cook in batches if necessary. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining to thin sauce if needed. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.