Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Recipe

This garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked farfalle pasta for a meal that will instantly become your family’s new favorite. The bowtie shape catches every bit of the savory sauce, making each bite incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

What makes this recipe truly special is how the simple combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet impressive, or for weekend dinners when you want to treat your loved ones to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Combine Everything: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately while hot.

Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

For the best results, use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-minced for maximum flavor. Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken – cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. The reserved pasta water is key for creating a silky sauce that clings to the noodles perfectly.

If you love this creamy pasta dish, you might also enjoy our Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or our Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Pasta for equally delicious weeknight options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer.

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

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for best texture, cook and serve immediately. The pasta may absorb the sauce if stored for too long.

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out our Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake or explore our collection of smoky garlic butter pasta variations for even more flavor inspiration.

Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta Recipe

This garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked farfalle pasta for a meal that will instantly become your family’s new favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Combine Everything: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-minced for maximum flavor. Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken – cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. The reserved pasta water is key for creating a silky sauce that clings to the noodles perfectly.