Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is one of those recipes that effortlessly transforms a regular weeknight dinner into something indulgent and delightful. With tender chicken pieces enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce paired with beautifully shaped bowtie pasta, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe will surely captivate your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta isn’t your average pasta dish—it’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The creamy sauce, combined with the aromatic garlic and perfectly cooked chicken, makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Not only is it easy to whip up in less than 30 minutes, but it also requires minimal ingredients, ensuring that it’s budget-friendly. Plus, picky eaters will adore the comforting flavors, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
"Absolutely delicious! This recipe has become a regular at our table. It’s quick to make and tastes gourmet—perfect for busy weeknights!"
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating this delightful Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it achievable for home cooks of all levels. The entire process flows smoothly from boiling the pasta to sautéing the chicken and combining everything with a luscious garlic butter sauce. Here’s an overview of how the recipe comes together: boil, sauté, make the sauce, combine, and serve. Each step contributes to building flavor while ensuring that clean-up is a breeze.
What You’ll Need
To bring this dish to life, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
Substitutions: If you don’t have mozzarella on hand, feel free to omit it or try cream cheese for an alternate creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: In the meantime, season your pieces of chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tbsp of butter along with the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
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Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt another 3 tbsp of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant (around 30 seconds). Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping any stuffed bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella (if using) until your sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water if necessary.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Gently toss all the components together until they’re well-coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
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Serve & Garnish: Plate your delightful creation warm, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When serving Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta, creativity can elevate the presentation. Consider plating it in shallow bowls, allowing the sauce to pool around the pasta for that restaurant-style touch. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal, or offer some garlic bread on the side for those extra mouthfuls of buttery flavor.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To keep your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta at its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you’re looking to extend the life of this dish further, it’s also freezer-friendly. Be sure to portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 2–3 months.
Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Tips for Success
Here are a few handy tips to elevate your Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta:
- For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the garlic powder and spices for a couple of hours before cooking.
- Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for a more robust flavor.
- If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut—just add it to the sauce towards the end of cooking to heat through.
Creative Twists
Looking to shake things up? Here are a few variations to try for Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta:
- Herb-Infused Sauce: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavor profile further.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a twist.
Common Questions
- How long does it take to prepare? This recipe can be on the table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Can I substitute the pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or penne.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, just follow the storage tips mentioned, and it will freeze well for later enjoyment.
With its rich flavors and creamy textures, Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tbsp butter with the olive oil. Add seasoned chicken and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella (if using) until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Gently toss until well-coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Plate the dish warm, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
