Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Nothing beats a comforting, homemade pasta dish on a busy weeknight, and this garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta is just the recipe to make your dinner effortless and delicious. The tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with perfectly al dente bowtie pasta will quickly become a family favorite.

this Recipe

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this easy garlic butter chicken pasta recipe delivers comforting flavors and satisfying richness without complicated steps. It’s one you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make on the stovetop in under 30 minutes.
• Rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that coats every bowtie pasta piece.
• Tender, juicy chicken breasts perfectly cooked and sliced.
• Comforting and filling, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.

Ingredients

Gather these straightforward ingredients for a delicious garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta that serves four.

• 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced into strips
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: approx. 550 per serving

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the bowties and chicken evenly with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t overcook the chicken; cook until just done to keep it juicy and tender.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamier, richer sauce.
• If you want extra sauce, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
• For a little garlic kick, add more garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make sure to salt your pasta water well so the noodles themselves are flavorful.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so you might find it thicker the next day.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works perfectly with this recipe, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or fusilli based on what you have available.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

Can I cook the chicken in advance?

Definitely. Cooking the chicken ahead saves time—just store it in the refrigerator and add it to the sauce when you make the pasta. This speeds up the overall cooking process.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can sauté vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers along with the garlic for added color and nutrition. Adding veggies makes it even more balanced and delicious.