Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is the weeknight dinner I keep coming back to when I want something comforting, fast, and genuinely satisfying. Tender chicken, silky garlic butter sauce, and bowtie pasta all come together in one skillet with ingredients you probably already have. This is the kind of meal that feels indulgent without any of the fuss.
There is something about the smell of garlic melting into butter that instantly makes a kitchen feel warm and welcoming. I started making this dish on busy school nights when I needed something reliable that my whole family would actually eat. Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta checks every box: it is simple, filling, and on the table in about 40 minutes. The pasta soaks up every bit of that rich garlic butter sauce and the chicken comes out golden and juicy every time. This is about to become your new favorite!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta
I always use fresh garlic cloves for this recipe because the flavor is so much more vibrant than garlic powder alone. Having everything measured and ready before you start makes the whole process feel smooth and stress-free. If you enjoy this kind of garlic-forward chicken dinner, you will also love this garlic butter chicken with broccoli that uses a very similar base.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 4 to 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced (I recommend going with 6 cloves if you love a bold garlic flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (pro tip: use unsalted so you control the salt in the sauce)
- 1 cup chicken broth (in my experience, low-sodium broth gives you better control over the final saltiness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (my preference is freshly grated for the creamiest finish)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend doing all your prep before heating the pan. Mince the garlic, cut the chicken, and measure out your broth so nothing gets rushed once the butter hits the skillet.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch on the surface helps the sauce cling to each piece.
Step 2: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated on all sides.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. The outside should have a light golden crust with no pink remaining. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and just barely golden. Watch it closely here as burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter. Pour in the chicken broth, stir well, and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes to let the flavors meld. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley, then serve warm.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta
This dish is hearty on its own, but the right sides add freshness, crunch, or extra comfort to round out the meal.
Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty slice is perfect for scooping up every last drop of buttery sauce from the plate. Try this easy garlic bread with sliced bread that comes together in under 10 minutes and pairs perfectly with any pasta dinner.
Roasted Vegetables: A quick sheet pan of roasted vegetables adds color and a slightly charred bite that plays beautifully against the silky pasta. These garlic roasted vegetables are easy to prep and roast hands-free while you make the pasta.
Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks: Another crowd-pleasing bread option that works great for dipping into the extra sauce. These homemade cheesy breadsticks are a family favorite and take almost no effort to pull together.
Simple Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the butter sauce and keep the meal feeling fresh and not too heavy. A simple green salad is always a smart pairing with any buttery pasta.
Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes: For a heartier spread when you are feeding a crowd, these creamy garlic sauce potatoes share the same garlic-forward flavor profile and make a satisfying companion to the pasta.
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One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles: If you want to set up a fun pasta bar night or serve a second chicken option, this one pan creamy garlic butter chicken with egg noodles uses the same core flavors in a different format that guests always enjoy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, which actually makes the flavors even deeper the next day.
To reheat, warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and bring it back to a silky consistency. I recommend the stovetop over the microwave since it keeps the chicken from drying out. If you do use the microwave, cover the dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
Pro tip: this recipe works great for meal prep. Portion leftovers into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. The garlic butter flavor actually deepens after a night in the fridge, making day-two leftovers genuinely worth looking forward to.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well here and stay even juicier than breasts. Cook them the same way and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F before removing from the pan.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works as a substitute if that is what you have on hand. You can also use water with a pinch of extra salt and a splash of white wine for added depth of flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, or peas all blend naturally into the sauce. Add tender vegetables like spinach during the last minute of cooking so they just wilt into the dish without overcooking.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is one of those dinners that delivers big flavor with very little effort. It comes together in 40 minutes, uses simple pantry staples, and satisfies even the pickiest eaters at the table. Give this one a try tonight and watch it earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta.
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to 165 degrees F. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, stir, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Cook 2 to 3 more minutes to meld flavors. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm.
