Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy One-Pan Bowtie Pasta Dinner
Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy One-Pan Bowtie Pasta Dinner
When you need a comforting, family-friendly dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this garlic butter chicken pasta delivers perfection. The combination of tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the garlic butter sauce clings perfectly to the bowtie pasta’s unique shape, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The creamy texture and aromatic garlic notes make this dish a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love. If you enjoy easy pasta dinners, you’ll also love our Lemon Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli for another quick weeknight option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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 paprika. 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. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter. Cook it just until fragrant – about 1-2 minutes is perfect for developing flavor without bitterness.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold for creating silky sauces. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and can thin out sauces that become too thick.
Chicken Size Matters: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly. This ensures every piece is perfectly cooked and tender.
For more delicious chicken dinner ideas, try our Ultimate Mexican Chicken with Creamy Cheese Sauce or our Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, penne, fettuccine, or rotini would also work well with this garlic butter sauce.
How can I make this dish creamier? Add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream or stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for an even richer, creamier texture.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli florets would be excellent additions. Add them to the skillet after cooking the garlic.
How long do leftovers keep? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
If you’re looking for more comforting pasta dishes, check out our Ultimate Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta Recipe for another restaurant-quality meal you can make at home.
Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy One-Pan Bowtie Pasta Dinner
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 paprika. 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.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. 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 Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
