Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a rich, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a silky garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s cozy, satisfying, and full of classic flavors the whole family loves.
This one-pan pasta dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling indulgent enough for a special meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Flavorful – Rich garlic parmesan sauce
- Hearty & Filling – Chicken and pasta in every bite
- Family-Friendly – Mild, comforting flavors
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 35 minutes
- One-Pan Sauce – Easy cleanup
- Versatile – Add veggies or spice easily
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook until golden and fully cooked.
Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Cheese & Combine
Stir in parmesan cheese until smooth.
Return chicken to the skillet.
Add cooked pasta and toss until fully coated in sauce.
5. Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve hot in wide bowls with extra parmesan on top.
Side Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
Leftover Uses:
- Reheat for lunch
- Turn into a creamy pasta bake
- Add spinach for a quick upgrade
Beverage Pairing:
- Sparkling water
- Lemon iced tea
- Light white wine
Additional Tips
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture
- Don’t overcook pasta,it will continue softening in sauce
- Add a splash of pasta water if sauce thickens
- Keep heat low to avoid splitting the cream
Variations
- Spinach Garlic Chicken Pasta: Add fresh spinach
- Mushroom Version: Sauté mushrooms with garlic
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of cream
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months (sauce may slightly change texture)
Reheat: Stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream
Special Equipment
- Pasta pot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add it when combining with the sauce.
What pasta works besides bowtie?
Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently to keep sauce creamy.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add heat if desired.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, garlicky, and perfectly balanced, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
