Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced or sliced; 12 oz bowtie pasta, dried; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley, chopped

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, elegant weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being fussy. Tender bites of seasoned chicken mingle with silky, garlicky cream sauce that clings to each bowtie for a luscious mouthfeel. The aroma of browned garlic and butter fills the kitchen, and the Parmesan adds a savory depth and slight nuttiness. Texturally, the al dente bowtie pasta provides a pleasant chew that contrasts with the smooth sauce and tender chicken pieces. This dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner, an easy date night, or whenever you want a satisfying, quicker pasta option that still feels special. It comes together in about 30 minutes and pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced or sliced
Small chicken pieces cook quickly and get nicely browned for texture.
12 oz bowtie pasta, dried
Bowtie shape holds the creamy sauce in its folds for even coating.
4 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic gives bright, aromatic flavor; mince finely for even distribution.
2 tbsp butter
Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce base.
2 tbsp olive oil
Used with butter to cook chicken and garlic, preventing butter from burning.
1 cup heavy cream
Makes the sauce rich and creamy; simmer gently to avoid breaking.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Melts into the sauce for savory, salty depth and a smooth finish.
Salt and pepper to taste
Essential for seasoning chicken and balancing the sauce.
1 tsp Italian seasoning
A simple herb blend that complements garlic and Parmesan.
Fresh parsley, chopped
Brightens the dish when sprinkled on top before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water. Tip: Save the pasta water while hot for easy sauce thinning later.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Make sure the pan is hot enough so the chicken sizzles when it hits the surface.
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant for 30 to 60 seconds. Watch closely so the garlic browns lightly but does not burn.
Add the diced or sliced chicken to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally so pieces cook evenly.
Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep the heat moderate so the cream does not boil vigorously.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Toss the cooked bowtie pasta with the sauce in the skillet, cooking for a few minutes until everything is heated through and well coated. Use tongs or a large spoon to evenly distribute the sauce.
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. Tip: Taste and adjust salt and pepper just before serving for best balance.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: approximately 750 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach a silky sauce without thinning too much. Cut chicken uniformly so it cooks evenly.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stove. Cream sauces may change texture slightly after freezing, so stir in a little water while reheating to restore creaminess.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only: Increase the garlic to boost aromatics, add more Parmesan for a sharper, saltier finish, or stir in extra heavy cream for a richer sauce. Swap between diced or sliced chicken to change mouthfeel, or add an extra pinch of Italian seasoning for more herbal notes.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any short pasta will work similarly, but this recipe uses bowtie for its sauce-holding shape.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and registers 165 F on an instant-read thermometer.

Q: Is heavy cream necessary?
A: Heavy cream gives the signature rich texture; using less may thin the sauce and alter mouthfeel.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: This recipe relies on heavy cream and Parmesan, so dairy-free results would require different ingredients not listed here.

Q: What if my sauce is too thin?
A: Simmer gently to reduce and thicken, or add a little more grated Parmesan while stirring to help thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a reliable weeknight winner that feels special with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a silky sauce that pairs perfectly with bowtie pasta and tender chicken. If you enjoyed this version, you might also like this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe – Key To My Lime for a similar take, or try a one-pan approach with this One Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggie Pasta for an easy cleanup option. I hope you give this recipe a try and share how it turned out with friends or family. Enjoy a cozy, delicious meal.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Print Recipe

A comforting and elegant weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken and silky, garlicky cream sauce with bowtie pasta.

Author: amanda-lewis
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced or sliced
12 oz bowtie pasta, dried
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts.
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Toss the cooked bowtie pasta with the sauce in the skillet.
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.