Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

Warm, garlicky, and comforting, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta brings simple ingredients together for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender slices of boneless, skinless chicken are seared in brown butter until golden, then tossed with bowtie pasta, a generous hit of fresh garlic, and a final shower of Parmesan cheese. The dish has a silky, buttery texture with bright garlic aroma and a subtle nuttiness from the butter. It is hearty enough for a family meal but elegant enough to serve to guests. If you enjoy similar creamy pasta dinners, you might like this take on a cowboy style sauce for chicken as well Cowboy butter chicken pasta for another flavor direction.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  Short, clear note: Trim any excess fat and slice or pound to even thickness for even cooking.
• 3 tablespoons Butter
  Short, clear note: Use unsalted or salted butter to taste; butter creates the sauce base and adds richness.
• 4 cloves Fresh minced garlic
  Short, clear note: Fresh garlic gives bright, pungent flavor; mince finely for best distribution.
• 8 ounces Bowtie pasta
  Short, clear note: Also called farfalle; cook to al dente to hold up when tossed with the sauce.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  Short, clear note: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds salty, nutty finish.

For another cheesy bowtie pasta twist, try this garlic butter beef and cheesy bowtie idea garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta by boiling it in a large pot of water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Tip: Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining to loosen the sauce later if needed.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice or pound them to even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to foam and turn lightly golden for a nuttier flavor, but do not let it burn.
4. Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, then remove and tent to keep warm. Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer if you have one; chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part.
5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Watch closely to avoid browning the garlic.
6. Combine the pasta and chicken in the skillet, tossing to coat with the butter and garlic. Add reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce and help the butter cling to the noodles.
7. Finish with grated Parmesan over the top, and toss again. The cheese will melt into the sauce and lightly thicken it.
8. Serve warm. Slice the chicken if you prefer bite-sized pieces and garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

A related method for slow cooker garlic butter beef gives a different cooking approach if you want to explore other proteins slow cooker garlic butter beef with potatoes.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 500 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Practical tips: Use evenly thick chicken pieces so they cook uniformly. Keep the heat at medium when melting butter to build flavor without burning. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired sauce consistency.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Flavor variations using the same ingredients only:
  • Garlic forward: Increase the garlic to six cloves for a stronger garlic profile.
  • Extra cheesy: Stir in an extra tablespoon of Parmesan while tossing for a richer finish.
  • Butter forward: Add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end for a silkier sauce.
    For a creamier, spicier pasta inspiration using the same chicken and pasta base, see this buffalo chicken Alfredo take buffalo chicken alfredo pasta. If you want a hand-held option using similar flavors, try these cheesy garlic chicken wraps cheesy garlic chicken wraps for meal prep ideas.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to cook the chicken?
   About 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes, but stick to similar cook times so the texture matches the recipe.
3. Do I need to reserve pasta water?
   It is helpful. A little reserved pasta water loosens the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
4. Can this dish be made ahead?
   You can cook components ahead, but finish by tossing pasta and chicken together just before serving for best texture.
5. What cheese works best?
   Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and provides the classic salty, nutty finish.

People Also Ask

1. What is the best way to keep chicken moist when cooking?
   Pound to even thickness, avoid overcooking, and tent the chicken after cooking to retain juices.
2. How do I prevent garlic from burning in the pan?
   Lower the heat slightly before adding garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, but reduce any additional salty finishes since salted butter adds sodium.
4. How much pasta per person is 8 ounces for this recipe?
   Eight ounces typically serves four people as a main course when combined with chicken and cheese.
5. Why add pasta water to the sauce?
   Pasta water contains starch that helps bind the butter and cheese to the pasta, creating a smooth sauce.
6. Is bowtie pasta the same as farfalle?
   Yes, bowtie pasta is commonly called farfalle and works well for holding sauce.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is an easy, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and feels special. If you want another take on this recipe from a different kitchen, check out this well-tested version from Healthy By Fork Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta – Healthy By Fork. For an alternate saved adaptation and serving ideas, see the Cooked wiki entry on a similar recipe Garlic Butter Chicken With Bowtie Pasta – Cooked. Give the recipe a try, share your tweaks, and enjoy a cozy, delicious dinner.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

Print Recipe

Warm and garlicky, this dish brings simple ingredients together for a satisfying weeknight dinner, featuring tender chicken and bowtie pasta in a buttery sauce.

• 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: None

Ingredients

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• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 4 cloves Fresh minced garlic
• 8 ounces Bowtie pasta
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta by boiling it in a large pot of water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice or pound them to even thickness for uniform cooking.
3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until lightly golden.
4. Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, then remove and keep warm.
5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
6. Combine the pasta and chicken in the skillet, tossing to coat with the butter and garlic, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Finish with grated Parmesan over the top, toss again, and serve warm.

Notes

Use even chicken pieces for uniform cooking and reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: garlic butter, chicken pasta, bowtie pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food