Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

The rich aroma of buttery garlic sauce coating tender chicken and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta creates an irresistible dinner that’s both comforting and elegant. Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties combine simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The delicate balance of savory garlic, creamy butter, and juicy chicken transforms ordinary pasta night into something truly special. You’ll learn how to create a silky sauce that clings to every ridge of the farfalle pasta while keeping your chicken perfectly tender and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the combination of textures is absolutely perfect – al dente pasta, tender chunks of chicken, and a velvety sauce that brings everything together. The dish strikes that elusive balance between being luxuriously rich and surprisingly light.

What truly sets this pasta dish apart is the depth of flavor achieved with minimal ingredients. The garlic becomes sweet and mellow as it cooks in butter, creating an aromatic base that elevates every bite. Unlike heavier cream-based pasta dishes, this garlic butter sauce allows the flavors of the chicken and pasta to shine through.

Perhaps best of all, this impressive meal comes together in a single pan (plus one for boiling pasta), making cleanup a breeze. It’s sophisticated enough for date night but simple enough for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly. The versatility of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe means you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties, you’ll need:

• 12 oz (340g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, divided
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¾ cup (180ml) chicken broth, low sodium
• ¼ cup (60ml) dry white wine (or additional chicken broth)
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

The quality of your garlic makes a significant difference in this recipe – use fresh cloves rather than pre-minced garlic for the most vibrant flavor. Similarly, real Parmesan cheese (not the shelf-stable kind in a shaker) will create a more authentic, flavorful sauce for your chicken pasta.

Pro Tips

Use Room Temperature Chicken: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the refrigerator will cook unevenly and may become tough. Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly and stays juicier in your Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding causes the chicken to steam rather than sear, resulting in bland, rubbery meat instead of flavorful pieces with caramelized edges. A proper sear adds tremendous depth of flavor to the final dish and creates those delicious browned bits on the pan that will enrich your garlic butter sauce.

Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Before draining your pasta, reserve at least ½ cup of the starchy cooking water. This pasta water contains starches that help emulsify the butter sauce, creating a silky texture that clings to every piece of bowtie pasta. If your Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties sauce seems too thick or isn’t coating the pasta properly, add a splash of this reserved water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce, so aim for the firmer side of al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Toss the drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foaming. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes without disturbing, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these contain incredible flavor!

Step 4: Finish the Dish
Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce for 2-3 minutes, then return the chicken to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish your Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with fresh parsley before serving.

Variations

Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowties: For a brighter, citrusy version of this dish, add the zest and juice of one lemon when you’re finishing the sauce. The acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and adds a refreshing dimension to the Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties. Garnish with additional lemon zest for an elegant presentation.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Transform this into a creamier dish by adding ½ cup of heavy cream after the chicken broth has reduced slightly. This creates a luxurious garlic cream sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. For extra indulgence, increase the Parmesan to ¾ cup. This variation works wonderfully when you’re craving something more substantial and rich.

Vegetable-Packed Version: For a more nutritious twist, add 2 cups of vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, and sliced zucchini. Add firmer vegetables like zucchini when sautéing the garlic, and stir in quick-cooking vegetables like spinach just before adding the pasta. The vegetables not only add color and nutrition but also complement the garlic butter flavor profile perfectly.

Storage and Serving

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or a small pat of butter to revive the creamy texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

For serving, present your Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in warmed pasta bowls to keep the dish hot longer. A fresh garnish of chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a restaurant-quality finish. This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the butter sauce.

For an elevated dinner party presentation, serve with garlic bread and a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in these wines complements the buttery, garlicky notes in the pasta perfectly and makes for an impressive yet effortless entertaining menu.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) works beautifully because the sauce clings to its ridges and folds, you can substitute penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just ensure you cook the pasta to al dente, as overcooked pasta will become mushy when combined with the sauce.

How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten up your Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties, use half the butter and replace the rest with good olive oil. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and substitute half the pasta with sautéed zucchini noodles. Adding extra vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers increases the nutritional value while maintaining great flavor.

My sauce broke and looks greasy. How can I fix it?
If your sauce separates, remove it from heat immediately and whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cold pasta water. The starch in the water helps re-emulsify the sauce. Alternatively, a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water can be added to bind the sauce together.

Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes! Shrimp makes an excellent substitute for chicken in this recipe. Cook them for just 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove them while making the sauce. Add the shrimp back at the very end to prevent overcooking.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter and cheese?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You’ll still get a rich, flavorful sauce for your pasta dish.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties is comfort food at its finest — elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. The harmonious blend of aromatic garlic, rich butter, and tender chicken creates a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that brings family and friends to the table with eager anticipation, creating those meaningful moments of connection that happen when good food is shared. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this versatile recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite.

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