A creamy, garlicky, and buttery chicken pasta that’s easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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There’s something magical about turning simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal at home. Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is that kind of recipe—rich, flavorful, and comforting, yet surprisingly easy to prepare. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a fragrant garlic butter sauce, this dish balances elegance and simplicity. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions for Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
- Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Drying ensures a better sear and flavor retention. - Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and stir in minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, but do not brown. - Cook the Chicken
- Slow Cooker Method: Add chicken, garlic butter, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Stovetop Method: Sear chicken in a skillet until golden. Add garlic butter and chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta
Boil bowtie pasta in heavily salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Combine Pasta and Chicken
Toss cooked pasta into the chicken mixture over low heat for 2–3 minutes to absorb the garlic butter sauce. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh garlic for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; sear in batches for even browning.
- Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thin.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors.
Why This Recipe Works
- Tender, juicy chicken perfectly infused with garlic butter.
- Bowtie pasta texture creates a fun, satisfying bite.
- Quick and flexible, ready in under 30 minutes on the stovetop.
- Adaptable: add vegetables, cream, or spices for a personalized touch.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap chicken breast for thighs for extra juiciness.
- Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Add spinach, roasted broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra veggies.
- Mix in 1/4 cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamier sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
- Make-Ahead: Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, cook pasta just before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or butter to loosen sauce.
Serving Ideas for Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
- Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic bread.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and less likely to dry out.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Cook pasta fresh when ready to serve.
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How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently warm on stovetop or microwave with a little water or butter to loosen sauce.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter while cooking.
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Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. With tender chicken, a rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Whether for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, it’s a flavorful, easy-to-make recipe that never disappoints.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
Equipment
- large skillet for cooking chicken
- medium saucepan for melting garlic butter
- large pot for boiling pasta
- colander for draining pasta
- knife and cutting board for preparing chicken and garlic
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and stir in minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, without browning.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Pour in garlic butter and chicken broth, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water.
- Toss cooked pasta into the chicken mixture over low heat for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
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