Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Bowtie Noodles – Easy One Pan Weeknight Dinner
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight lifesaver – creamy, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken pieces are nestled in perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with a luxuriously rich garlic butter sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or need a quick comforting meal after a long day, this recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
What makes this recipe truly special is its one-pan simplicity. You’ll love how the pasta absorbs all the incredible flavors as it cooks right alongside the chicken, creating a cohesive dish that’s bursting with savory goodness. The bowtie pasta (also called farfalle) holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making each forkful perfectly balanced.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add uncooked bowtie pasta to the skillet along with chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Combine and Creamify
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is well combined.
Step 5: Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta – it should be al dente when you add the cream sauce, as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
Garlic Technique: Always mince your garlic finely rather than using pre-minced jars for the freshest, most vibrant flavor. The garlic should cook until fragrant but never brown or burn.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a couple of minutes to reduce.
For another fantastic chicken pasta option that’s equally quick and delicious, try our Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti featuring bold spices and a creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, penne, fusilli, or rotini would also be excellent choices. Larger pasta shapes work best for holding the creamy sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead, but for best results, cook everything fresh. The pasta tends to absorb the sauce if stored for too long.
What sides go well with garlic butter chicken pasta?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make perfect accompaniments. For a delicious side option, our Classic Homemade Coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra flavor. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
For more delicious chicken dinner inspiration, check out our Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole or explore different cooking methods with our Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add uncooked bowtie pasta to the skillet along with chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
