Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner

This creamy garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta is comfort food made simple. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken are seared until golden, then folded into a velvety sauce of melted butter, roasted garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. The bowtie pasta soaks up the sauce, giving each forkful a silky, comforting texture and a gentle chew. Aromas of fresh garlic and warm butter fill the kitchen as it cooks, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, casual date nights, or a cozy weekend meal with friends and family. If you like a similar rich garlic pasta, check out this variation for more inspiration garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta.

Ingredients

1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Bite-sized pieces sear quickly and stay juicy. Choose breasts of similar thickness for even cooking.
Bowtie pasta (Farfalle)
Picks up the creamy sauce well. Cook according to package directions until al dente.
1 whole head of fresh garlic, minced
Fresh garlic gives bright, aromatic flavor. Mince finely so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel. Using unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Helps sear the chicken and prevents the butter from burning while cooking the chicken.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Adds savory depth and helps deglaze the skillet, capturing browned bits for flavor.
1 cup heavy cream
Creates the creamy sauce body and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Stirred in off the heat to melt into the sauce, adding nutty, salty richness.
Fresh chopped parsley
A bright finish that adds color and a fresh herbal note.

For a closely related recipe and ingredient ideas, you may also like this version garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta.

Step-by-step Instructions

Prep the chicken and aromatics. Pat the chicken breasts dry, cut into bite-sized pieces, and season with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop the parsley. Small uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta. The reserved water will help loosen the sauce if needed.
Sear the chicken. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes per side depending on piece size. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Tip: do not overcrowd the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams.
Make the garlic butter base. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Watch the garlic closely to avoid bitterness.
Build the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Finish the sauce and combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta, tossing gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water, adding a splash at a time until you reach the desired creaminess. Tip: add the pasta water gradually to avoid making the sauce too thin.
Serve. Divide the creamy garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta among bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 (approximate)
Calories: about 860 per serving (approximate)

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Use uniformly sized chicken pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.
Reserve pasta water before draining; the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Do not overcook the garlic. Sauté until fragrant and just softened to avoid bitterness.
If your sauce separates, remove from heat and whisk in a small splash of pasta water to bring it back together.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Store pasta and sauce together for convenience, or keep chicken and pasta separate if you prefer firmer pasta when reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes best without the garnish. Cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce.

Variations using the listed ingredients only

Extra creamy: stir a little more heavy cream into the sauce for a richer finish.
More garlicky: use two heads of garlic if you want a stronger garlic presence.
Herb-forward: stir in additional chopped parsley for a brighter herb flavor.

For another lemon-infused take using similar ingredients, try this recipe idea lemon garlic butter chicken creamy parmesan pasta, or explore a meat swap with this savory option garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the chicken need to cook in bite-sized pieces?
Cook bite-sized pieces about 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden and no longer pink in the center.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta that holds sauce will work, though the recipe calls for bowtie pasta.
Do I need to peel all the garlic from the head?
Yes, peel and mince the garlic so it melts into the sauce evenly and releases its aroma.
How do I fix a sauce that is too thin?
Simmer it a few more minutes to reduce, or stir in a small amount of grated Parmesan off heat to thicken slightly.
Is low-sodium chicken broth necessary?
Low-sodium gives you better control over seasoning. You can use regular broth but taste before adding extra salt.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook components ahead and reheat gently, but the dish is best enjoyed freshly assembled for optimal texture.

Conclusion

I hope this Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner becomes a new weeknight favorite for you. If you want a simple garlic butter pasta base to riff on, this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe | My Favorite Spinach Pasta is a great resource, and for another chicken and bow tie pasta approach, see this helpful guide on The Easiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta. Give the recipe a try, share your results, and enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal.