Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is a cozy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant favorite made at home. Tender slices of seared chicken are paired with al dente bowtie pasta and a silky garlic butter cream sauce that coats every piece. The dish offers rich, creamy mouthfeel from the heavy cream and butter, a savory punch from Parmesan and garlic, and a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen while it simmers. It is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or any evening when you want something satisfying without too much fuss. If you enjoy other creamy chicken pasta dishes, try this twist inspired by the flavors in garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta or pair the meal with a simple side inspired by creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta for added greens.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  Short explanation: Provides the main protein; slice and sear for a juicy result.
• 8 ounces bowtie pasta
  Short explanation: Also called farfalle, it holds the sauce well and adds a pleasant bite.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  Short explanation: Adds richness and helps build the garlic butter sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Short explanation: Gives aromatic, savory flavor; mince finely for even distribution. Related garlic chicken ideas
• 1 cup chicken broth
  Short explanation: Adds savory depth and thins the sauce while keeping it flavorful.
• 1 cup heavy cream
  Short explanation: Creates a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to pasta and chicken.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  Short explanation: Adds salty, nutty umami and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  Short explanation: A blend of herbs that complements garlic and Parmesan.
• Salt and pepper to taste
  Short explanation: Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce to your preference.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  Short explanation: Brightens the dish with fresh color and a mild herbal note. See another butter chicken pasta approach

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve a 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water.
   Tip: Reserving pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency later.

2. Prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Sear the chicken. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   Tip: Do not overcrowd the skillet; a hot pan gives a nice golden exterior.

4. Make the garlic butter sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

5. Add liquid ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Incorporate cheese and seasoning. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of reserved pasta water.
   Tip: Add pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired silkiness.

7. Combine pasta and chicken. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

8. Taste and adjust. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

9. Garnish. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

10. Serve immediately. Plate the dish and enjoy while hot. For another creamy chicken pasta idea

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: approximately 860 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Practical tips:
  • Use medium-high heat when searing chicken to get a golden crust without overcooking the interior.
  • Mince garlic finely so it dissolves into the sauce and releases even flavor.
  • If your sauce separates, whisk in a splash of reserved pasta water off heat to bring it back together.
• Storage and freezing:
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  • To freeze, place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Flavor variations using only the listed ingredients:
  • Extra garlic punch: Increase the garlic to your taste for a more pungent profile.
  • Richer sauce: Stir in a little more Parmesan at the end for extra umami and thickness.
  • Lighter sauce texture: Thin with reserved pasta cooking water to make the sauce silkier without diluting flavor. Explore related bowtie pasta recipes

FAQ

1. How long should I cook the chicken breasts to ensure they are done?
   Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes, any short pasta will work, but bowtie pasta holds the sauce nicely.

3. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
   Sauté garlic only 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, and reduce heat if it begins to brown.

4. Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
   Reserving pasta water is helpful to loosen or thin the sauce while keeping the flavor intact.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   You can cook components ahead, but combine and reheat gently to preserve sauce texture.

People Also Ask

1. What is bowtie pasta called?
   Bowtie pasta is commonly called farfalle, named for its bow or butterfly shape.

2. Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
   Yes, low-sodium broth lets you control the final salt level.

3. Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
   Yes, cream and Parmesan will thicken the sauce as it cools; reheat gently with a splash of water if needed.

4. How do I get a golden sear on chicken without burning butter?
   Use medium-high heat and add the butter just before the chicken, or combine butter with a neutral oil if available.

5. Is heavy cream necessary for the sauce?
   Heavy cream gives the richest texture, and it helps the sauce cling to pasta.

6. How much Parmesan should I add for best flavor?
   The recipe calls for 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, which balances creaminess and saltiness well.

7. Can I halve the recipe for fewer servings?
   Yes, simply adjust all ingredient quantities proportionally.

8. What temperature should I reheat leftovers to?
   Reheat until steaming and the center reaches at least 165 F for safe consumption.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is a simple, comforting meal that brings together seared chicken, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce for dinner you will want to make again and again. If you enjoy comparing variations or need inspiration for similar dishes, see this version at Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta – Healthy By Fork or read another saved take at Garlic Butter Chicken With Bowtie Pasta – Cooked. I hope you try this recipe soon and share how it turned out with friends and family, served warm and full of comfort.