Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Recipe – Quick & Easy!

Warm, garlicky, and creamy, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels special with almost no fuss. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken seared until golden are tossed with al dente bowtie pasta in a silky garlic butter cream sauce and finished with freshly grated Parmesan. The dish delivers savory depth from the browned chicken, a rich mouthfeel from the heavy cream and butter, and a bright hint from chopped parsley. The texture is comforting—pillowy pasta, slightly crisped chicken edges, and a sauce that clings to every forkful. It is ideal for busy weeknights, casual date nights, or when you want a crowd-pleasing meal that reheats well. If you enjoy variations, you might also like a related take on this dish found at a garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta variation that highlights slightly different seasoning choices.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs): Cut into bite-sized pieces; thighs add a bit more richness if you prefer.
12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle): Cooks to a firm but tender al dente that holds the sauce well.
6-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Provides the signature aromatic garlic flavor; adjust to taste.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Builds the sauce base and gives a smooth, buttery mouthfeel.
1.5 cups chicken broth: Adds savory liquid and depth; use low-sodium if you want more control over salt.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a creamy, clingy sauce with a luxurious texture.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty flavor and creaminess.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the finished dish with color and freshness.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken and achieving golden browning.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to balance and enhance flavors.
Non-alcohol alternatives (optional, e.g., chicken broth with white wine vinegar or lemon juice): For a touch of acidity if you want brightness without alcohol.

For another similar easy pasta idea that uses garlic butter in a different combination, check out this classic garlic butter bowtie pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. This helps the chicken brown better.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. The reserved water can loosen the sauce if needed.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Build the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
Deglaze and Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to concentrate flavor.
Introduce the Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If needed, use a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce so it clings nicely to the pasta.
Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 1,040 calories per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips:
- Dry the chicken well before searing to encourage a golden crust.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; the starchy water helps bind and loosen the sauce.
- Grate the Parmesan fresh for best melting and flavor.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.
- Do not freeze the finished pasta with cream; cream sauces can separate when frozen and reheated.
Freezing advice:
- If you want to freeze, store just the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months and the sauce without cream in another container. Thaw and finish with fresh cream when reheating.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier result.
- Add an extra clove or two of garlic for a bolder garlic profile.
- Brighten the sauce by stirring in a teaspoon or two of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar blended with chicken broth as the non-alcohol alternative.

For a lemony, creamy garlic butter chicken version that complements this dish, you may find inspiration at a lemon garlic butter chicken creamy parmesan pasta recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the chicken need to cook in bite-sized pieces?
Cook 3 to 5 minutes per side over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, depending on piece size.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work well and add extra richness and moisture.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, generously salt the cooking water to season the pasta from the inside out.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute and remove from direct high heat if it starts to brown too quickly.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?
You can, but freshly grated melts better and has more flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe relies on butter and heavy cream, so replacing them would change the dish significantly and is not recommended without substituting ingredients not listed.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a reliably comforting meal that comes together quickly and tastes indulgent while staying simple to make. For more ideas that pair garlic butter with pasta in bright or vegetable-forward ways, try the Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe at Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Lemon Butter Sauce, or explore a straightforward pasta-focused garlic butter approach at Garlic Butter Pasta – Beyond The Chicken Coop. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cozy dish with family and friends.