Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Creamy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Creamy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
When you need a comforting, family-friendly dinner that comes together in minutes, this garlic butter chicken pasta delivers everything you want. With tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort food perfect for busy weeknights.
What makes this recipe special is how effortlessly it comes together. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal that feels indulgent yet uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand. The combination of savory garlic, rich butter, and tender chicken creates a sauce that clings perfectly to every curve of the bowtie pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Create the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine everything: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Final touches: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
For the best results, make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably. A 12-inch skillet works perfectly for this recipe. Don’t skip reserving the pasta water – the starchy liquid helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
If you’re looking for other quick pasta dinners, try our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or our Cheesy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Both offer similar convenience with delicious variations on the creamy pasta theme.
For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. The vegetables will wilt perfectly into the creamy sauce, adding nutrition and texture to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully because its shape catches the sauce well, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta you have on hand.
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 milk or broth to refresh the creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is best served immediately, but you can prep the ingredients ahead. Chop the chicken and mince the garlic in advance to make the cooking process even faster when you’re ready to eat.
If you enjoyed this garlic butter chicken pasta, you might also love our Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta for another comforting weeknight option that the whole family will enjoy.
Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Creamy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Create the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine everything: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Final touches: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
