Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner
Rich, creamy, and loaded with comforting flavors, this Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Tender, golden-seared chicken is paired with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and coated in a silky garlic butter Parmesan cream sauce that’s both luxurious and incredibly easy to prepare. Every bite delivers the perfect combination of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta that holds onto every drop of flavor.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple pantry staples like butter, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish in just 45 minutes. The farfalle (bowtie pasta) not only looks beautiful on the plate but also catches the creamy sauce in every fold, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It works wonderfully for family dinners, date nights, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes, making it easy to adapt to your family’s tastes. The rich garlic butter sauce is comforting without being overly complicated, while the Parmesan adds a savory depth that ties everything together beautifully.
Whether you’re looking for an easy chicken pasta recipe, a creamy garlic butter dinner, or simply a comforting Italian-inspired meal, this Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner is sure to earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
- Rich and creamy garlic butter Parmesan sauce.
- Tender, juicy chicken in every bite.
- Ready in just 45 minutes.
- Simple ingredients with incredible flavor.
- Family-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-quality meal made at home.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Great for leftovers and meal prep.
Ingredients Overview
Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become juicy and flavorful after being seared until golden brown.
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) – The unique shape captures plenty of creamy sauce, making every bite extra delicious.
Fresh Garlic – Using a whole head of freshly minced garlic creates the bold, aromatic flavor that defines this dish.
Unsalted Butter – Forms the rich, buttery base of the sauce while complementing the garlic perfectly.
Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken beautifully while preventing the butter from burning.
Chicken Broth – Adds savory depth and helps deglaze the pan, incorporating all the flavorful browned bits.
Heavy Cream – Creates a silky, luxurious sauce with a smooth, velvety texture.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce, adding creamy richness and authentic Italian flavor.
Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness, color, and a bright finish that balances the richness.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
Variations
Spinach Garlic Chicken Pasta – Stir fresh baby spinach into the sauce during the last few minutes until wilted.
Mushroom Parmesan Pasta – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra earthy flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta – Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
Broccoli Chicken Bowtie Pasta – Mix in steamed broccoli florets before serving for added nutrition and color.
How to Make Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Mince the entire head of garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop the fresh parsley.
Having everything prepared before cooking makes the process quick and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil together with 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic.
Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Allow the broth to simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
The sauce should become smooth, creamy, and rich.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta.
Gently toss everything together until every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Divide the pasta among serving bowls.
Top with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets
- Reserve the pasta water before draining, as its starch helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese for the smoothest melting and richest flavor.
- Cook the garlic gently over medium heat to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta since it will continue absorbing the sauce after being combined.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm garlic bread or buttery breadsticks.
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or fresh garden salad.
- Add roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans on the side.
- Finish with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and fresh parsley.
How to Store Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner
Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, although cream-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing. Stir well while reheating for the best texture.
Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, fettuccine, rigatoni, or cavatappi all work wonderfully with this creamy garlic butter sauce.
Can I substitute chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and often produce even juicier results.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
The starch in the pasta water helps loosen the sauce while making it silky and helping it cling to the pasta beautifully.
Can I add vegetables to Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner?
Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, peas, asparagus, and sun-dried tomatoes all pair beautifully with this recipe.
Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- colander
- wooden spoon
- cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 head fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry, cut into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop the parsley.
- Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium, melt the remaining butter, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
- Add the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta, tossing until well coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
