Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Easy Family Favorite Recipe
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, savory garlic butter sauce and clinging to perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. The combination of simple ingredients creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.
What makes this recipe so special is how the bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) captures every drop of the delicious garlic butter sauce in its nooks and crannies. The result is a satisfying, hearty meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers for lunch tomorrow, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons 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 Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in the fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic. The aromatic quality really shines through in the butter sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce. This prevents mushy pasta.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a silky, well-emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Customize Your Protein: While chicken works beautifully, you could also try this recipe with garlic Parmesan chicken leftovers or even shrimp for a different twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine them when ready to serve. Store the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with garlic butter chicken pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crispy garlic green beans or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, try it with creamy mashed potatoes on the side.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well. The cooking time may vary depending on your choice.
How can I make this dish creamier?
For an extra creamy version, increase the heavy cream to 1/2 cup and add an additional 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. You could also try our creamy rotisserie chicken pasta recipe for another delicious option.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze leftovers, the cream-based sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Easy Family Favorite Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.
