Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Bowtie Pasta – Quick One Pan Weeknight Dinner
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Bowtie Pasta – Quick One Pan Weeknight Dinner
There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich buttery garlic sauce that makes this Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta an instant family favorite. This easy one-pan dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is the perfect choice for this recipe – its unique shape catches every bit of the flavorful garlic butter sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the garlic butter sauce brings everything together in a creamy, comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Perfect pasta texture: Always cook pasta al dente since it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. The bowtie shape is ideal because it holds the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
Garlic technique: Don’t brown the garlic! Cook it just until fragrant to maintain that sweet, aromatic flavor without any bitterness. If you love garlic as much as we do, you’ll also enjoy our Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce which showcases this wonderful ingredient.
Chicken preparation: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better browning. For another delicious chicken and pasta combination, try our Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake.
Sauce consistency: The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for creating the perfect sauce consistency. The starch helps emulsify the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer. The key is choosing a shape that will hold the sauce well.
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 or cream to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the components ahead, but it’s best served fresh. Cook the pasta and chicken separately, then combine with the sauce when ready to serve.
What can I serve with this pasta? This dish is substantial enough to stand alone, but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal experience, check out our Healthy Broccoli Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing for a refreshing side dish option.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the epitome of comfort food – rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that irresistible garlic butter sauce is simply unbeatable.
If you’re looking for more delicious poultry and pasta combinations, our Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta offers another wonderful variation on this classic theme.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Bowtie Pasta – Quick One Pan Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
