Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta – Easy Family Favorite Recipe
Ultimate 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! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious, satisfying, and family-approved. The combination of tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and rich garlic butter sauce creates a meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity – you probably have most ingredients in your pantry right now. The bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) holds the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite incredibly flavorful. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter 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: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 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 medium-low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Expert Tips
- Pasta Water is Key: Don’t skip reserving pasta water – the starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Fresh Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic rather than jarred for the best flavor. The garlic should be fragrant but not burned.
- Chicken Temperature: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Make it Creamier: For an even richer sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well – store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
If you’re looking for other quick pasta dishes, try our Ultimate Cheesy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta for another family favorite that’s ready in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta that holds sauce well. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
We don’t recommend freezing as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What sides go well with this pasta?
This garlic butter chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or Savory Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans. For a complete meal, add some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
For more comforting pasta ideas, check out our Ultimate Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
This garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta is truly the perfect weeknight dinner – quick, comforting, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. The rich buttery sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a dish that feels special but requires minimal effort. Give it a try tonight and watch it disappear from everyone’s plates!
Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta – Easy Family Favorite Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter 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 remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
