Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

The aroma of garlic wafting through the air, mingling with the richness of butter and cream, perfectly encapsulates the warmth of home-cooked goodness. Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is a comforting dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare and is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is a flavorful embrace even on the busiest days.

This dish is perfect for busy families looking to whip up a quick yet satisfying meal. It’s also great for date nights when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re short on time, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to add the chicken and pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible aroma.
• A creamy sauce envelops the pasta and chicken, providing a comforting texture.
• It’s a complete meal cooked in one skillet, minimizing clean-up.
• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dinner:

For the Pasta

• 8 oz bowtie pasta

For the Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Parmesan can be substituted with Pecorino Romano.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use rotini pasta instead of bowtie.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu.
• Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half.
• Fresh parsley can be omitted for a simpler presentation.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to whip up this delicious meal.

Cook the Pasta

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Melt the Butter

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is golden and cooked through.

Add Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Mix in Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined.

Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the cream may separate upon thawing.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting.
• Avoid overcooking the pasta for the best texture.
• Reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad for balance.
• Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.