Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, richly flavored weeknight dinner that comes together quickly. Tender bites of seasoned, browned chicken nestle among al dente bowtie pasta, all coated in a silky garlic cream sauce with a nutty Parmesan finish. The aroma of garlic and butter fills the kitchen as the sauce reduces to a luxuriously smooth texture that clings to each pasta nook. This dish balances creamy richness with savory herbs and a bright sprinkle of fresh parsley for contrast. It is ideal for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or when you want a satisfying one-skillet meal without a lot of fuss. If you like similar pasta dinners, you may enjoy this take on garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta variations for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced or sliced, for tender protein that cooks quickly.
• 12 oz bowtie pasta, dried, provides a fun pocketed shape that holds the sauce.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced, adds bright, aromatic depth to the sauce.
• 2 tbsp butter, for richness and a silky mouthfeel.
• 2 tbsp olive oil, used with butter to prevent burning and aid browning.
• 1 cup heavy cream, creates the creamy base and helps the sauce thicken.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, brings savory, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste, to season the chicken and sauce.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning, a blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for a fresh, herbal finish and color contrast.

For a slightly different take on garlic-forward bowtie pasta, see this garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Tip: Reserve a cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and foams.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. Stir constantly to avoid browning the garlic.

4. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly, stirring occasionally so it does not stick.

6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and well combined. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional few minutes until the pasta is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce.

8. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic chicken bowtie pasta. For technique notes and serving ideas, this detailed bowtie pasta guide can be helpful.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 800 kcal per serving

For a bright, citrusy pasta alternative to compare timing and texture, check this lemon garlic butter chicken creamy parmesan pasta overview.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

• Dice chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly.
• Keep the heat moderate when simmering the cream to prevent curdling.
• Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce without watering down the flavor.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore saucy texture.

Freezing

• Heavy cream sauces can change texture when frozen. If you plan to freeze, cool completely and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, stirring to recombine the sauce.

Variations using only the listed ingredients

• Extra garlic boost: Double the minced garlic for a more pungent garlic profile.
• More herbaceous: Increase the Italian seasoning slightly and finish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Cheese-forward: Stir in a little extra Parmesan before serving for a richer, fuller cheese flavor.

For a creamy chicken and broccoli idea that uses a similar creamy approach, take a look at this creamy rotisserie chicken and broccoli pasta for pairing inspiration.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any short pasta will work, but bowtie holds sauce in its folds particularly well.

Q: How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Cut a piece in half; it should be white throughout with no pink and register 165 F if you use a thermometer.

Q: Can I reduce the cream for a lighter sauce?
A: You can use slightly less cream, but the texture will be less silky and may need more Parmesan to thicken.

Q: Do I need to brown the chicken first?
A: Browning adds flavor and color, but you can cook the chicken fully in the sauce if you prefer fewer pans.

Q: Is Parmesan necessary?
A: Parmesan adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce. Omitting it will change the flavor and consistency.

Q: How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days.

People Also Ask

Q: What is the best way to reheat creamy pasta?
A: Reheat on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or cream and stirring until warmed.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can cook the components ahead, then combine and reheat just before serving to maintain texture.

Q: Should pasta be al dente for this recipe?
A: Yes, cooking to al dente helps the pasta hold up when tossed in the sauce.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: Simmer gently over low to medium heat and stir constantly after adding the cheese.

Q: Can I use grated Parmesan from a jar?
A: Yes, pre-grated Parmesan works, but freshly grated melts better and gives a fresher flavor.

Q: What side dishes pair well with creamy garlic chicken pasta?
A: A light green salad or simple steamed vegetables balance the richness of the pasta.

Q: Is it okay to skip the butter and use only olive oil?
A: Yes, olive oil alone works, though the butter adds extra richness to the sauce.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta with family or friends. It is a simple, satisfying meal that delivers rich garlic flavor and a comforting creamy texture. For another creamy garlic chicken pasta interpretation you can compare cooking techniques with this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe, or try a one pot method inspired by this One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggie Pasta for a different approach. If you make this recipe, please share how it turned out and any small tweaks you loved. Enjoy a cozy meal and happy cooking.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta

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A comforting, richly flavored weeknight dinner with seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a silky garlic cream sauce.

• Author: daniel-kim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 12 oz bowtie pasta, dried
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly.
4. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until it melts and the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Combine the cooked bowtie pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Heat through for a few additional minutes.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Dice chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Reserve pasta water for thinning the sauce if necessary.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 140mg