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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. 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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Notes

Pasta water is key - don't skip reserving pasta water. Use fresh minced garlic rather than jarred for best flavor. Cook chicken to internal temperature of 165°F. For richer sauce, add extra heavy cream or Parmesan cheese. Reheats well for up to 3 days.