Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner

A warm, comforting aroma fills the kitchen as the sizzling chicken meets the pan, instantly making your mouth water. The Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Dinner combines tender chicken, a rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all in under 30 minutes. This dish works so well because the creamy sauce envelopes every bite with flavor, making it a family favorite at the dinner table.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal that comes together quickly. Whether it’s for your family or a dinner gathering, this dish impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy garlic sauce is both rich and comforting.
• Tender chicken pieces add a hearty protein element.
• Bowtie pasta provides a fun texture and shape.
• The dish is ready in under 30 minutes.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

For the Chicken

• 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• Bowtie pasta (Farfalle)

For the Sauce

• 1 whole head of fresh garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For Serving

• Fresh chopped parsley

Consider using frozen chicken for convenience.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken broth can be swapped with vegetable broth.
• Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried herbs.
• Bowtie pasta can be exchanged with any pasta shape you prefer.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to whip up this delicious meal.

Prep Ingredients

Pat the chicken breasts dry, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and season with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop the parsley.

Cook Pasta

Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

Sear Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Sauté Garlic

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.

Create Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Serve

Remove the skillet from 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. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, the cream may separate.
Reheat: microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• For maximum flavor, sear the chicken until golden brown.
• Use fresh garlic for a more intense flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• Stir the sauce well after adding the cheese to ensure even distribution.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a cozy dinner.