Go Back
garlic-butter-chicken-bowtie-pasta_feature

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Creamy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

This comforting garlic butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder uses pantry staples to create a family-friendly dinner with creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Final touches: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a 12-inch skillet for best results and don't skip reserving pasta water - the starchy liquid helps create a silky, cohesive sauce. For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.