Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Chicken – Easy Family Favorite Dinner Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce that coats every bite. This garlic butter bowtie pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company but comes together in just 30 minutes. The farfalle pasta’s unique shape catches the savory butter sauce beautifully, creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and deeply satisfying.

What makes this recipe truly special is how the simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Fresh garlic infuses the butter with incredible flavor, while the chicken adds protein to make it a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or need a reliable comfort chicken pasta recipe that everyone will love, this dish delivers on all fronts.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

This creamy chicken pasta dish pairs beautifully with simple sides for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced. The difference in taste is noticeable and worth the extra minute of preparation.

Don’t overcook the garlic – it should become fragrant but not brown, as browned garlic can turn bitter and ruin the delicate sauce.

Reserve that pasta water! The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a smoother, creamier texture without needing excess cream.

If you love the combination of garlic and Parmesan, try our crispy Parmesan chicken with creamy garlic sauce for another family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is perfect for catching the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work well with this garlic butter sauce.

How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best served immediately after cooking for the optimal texture and flavor.

For more delicious pasta ideas, check out our cowboy butter chicken pasta that features similar rich flavors in a different preparation.

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Chicken – Easy Family Favorite Dinner Recipe

This comforting garlic butter bowtie pasta with chicken combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes. The farfalle pasta’s unique shape catches the savory sauce beautifully, creating a complete meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for best flavor. Don’t overcook garlic – it should become fragrant but not brown. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to pasta and create creamier texture.