If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that combines tender chicken and creamy pasta in one delicious dish, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is a fantastic choice. It’s a quick recipe that delivers comforting flavors without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
The chicken is cooked until golden and juicy, seasoned simply with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. It’s then tossed into a silky Parmesan cream sauce that clings perfectly to bowtie pasta. The garlic butter base adds a lovely depth of flavor and aroma that fills the kitchen, making this an inviting dinner any night of the week.
I love how this recipe balances richness and freshness with just a handful of ingredients. It’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites but still light and elegant, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The best part is that it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a reliable go-to for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal fast.
Essential Elements and Equipment
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
- Large skillet: To cook the chicken and prepare the creamy sauce all in one pan.
- Butter: Creates the base for the garlic sauce, giving it richness and flavor.
- Fresh garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory note that complements the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth and heavy cream: Together they form the velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that seasons the chicken perfectly without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a subtle herbal note.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- Browning the chicken in butter seals in flavor and creates a delicious crust that adds texture.
- Garlic sautéed gently releases a fragrant aroma without becoming bitter or burnt.
- Deglazing the skillet with chicken broth lifts all the browned bits from the pan, infusing the sauce with deep flavor.
- Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese combine to create a rich, smooth sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken.
- Italian seasoning adds herbal complexity that balances the richness of the cream and butter.
- Using bowtie pasta is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, making each bite flavorful and creamy.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the creamy dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally so the chicken cooks evenly and develops a golden crust. Make sure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen all the browned bits left from the chicken. These bits add great flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor.
Step 5: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to start thickening.
Step 6: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring the sauce as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy, smooth consistency. This step is key to avoiding clumping or graininess.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are coated evenly in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed with a pinch more salt or black pepper.
Step 9: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Easy Variations to Try
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can customize it to your taste or dietary needs with just a few tweaks.
- Switch the protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful bite. Alternatively, shrimp or turkey breast can work beautifully as well.
- Add vegetables: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers to add color and nutrition. Add them after cooking the garlic or stir them in with the sauce for a fresh twist.
- Use different pasta: While bowtie pasta is perfect for this creamy sauce, you can substitute penne, fusilli, or farfalle if that’s what you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also work well.
- Lighten the sauce: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Cheese variations: Use Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan for a sharper flavor, or mix in some shredded Asiago or Gruyère for a richer cheese profile.
How to Serve
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta stands out on its own but also pairs well with simple, fresh sides that complement its richness.
- Fresh salads: A crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing balances the creamy pasta and adds refreshing contrast.
- Vegetable sides: Steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition, balancing the meal.
- Bread: Warm garlic bread, crusty baguette, or cheesy breadsticks are perfect for mopping up extra sauce and completing the meal.
- Light sides: For a lighter finish, a tomato and cucumber salad dressed with olive oil and fresh herbs pairs beautifully.
- Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon or lime, iced tea, or a crisp lemonade can cleanse the palate between bites.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and has a brighter flavor than pre-grated.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in a single layer to achieve a nice golden crust; cook in batches if necessary.
- Whisk frequently: Stir the sauce continuously as you add milk and cheese to prevent lumps or burning.
- Adjust seasoning last: Parmesan adds saltiness, so taste and season the sauce after cheese is fully incorporated.
- Reheat gently: Leftovers reheat best on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Cooking Notes
- Cut chicken pieces into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid burning garlic by cooking it just until fragrant over medium heat.
- Simmer the sauce gently to thicken without scorching.
- Stir the sauce constantly when melting cheeses to ensure smoothness.
- Serve immediately for best texture; pasta can absorb sauce and thicken over time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 45 grams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier. Just make sure they are cooked through and adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese substitutes, such as plant-based creams and nutritional yeast, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Cook the sauce over medium heat and stir constantly when adding cheese. Avoid boiling the sauce once cheese is added to keep it smooth.
Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and reheat gently with the pasta before serving. Store separately if possible to avoid pasta becoming mushy.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is the perfect recipe when you want a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender chicken and rich, cheesy sauce come together quickly, making it a reliable weeknight favorite that feels special every time.
What makes this dish stand out is its balance of rich, creamy sauce combined with fresh herbs and simple seasonings that let the natural flavors shine. It’s comforting without being heavy and elegant without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this pasta dinner offers a wonderful mix of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.
I encourage you to try this recipe as written or personalize it with your favorite additions. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy cooking and savor every delicious bite!
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally so the chicken cooks evenly and develops a golden crust. Make sure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen all the browned bits left from the chicken. These bits add great flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor.
Step 5: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to start thickening.
Step 6: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring the sauce as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy, smooth consistency. This step is key to avoiding clumping or graininess.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are coated evenly in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed with a pinch more salt or black pepper.
Step 9: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 45