introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the heartiness of chicken and pasta, then Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. This dish is a creamy delight that is simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of flavors makes every bite memorable, as the garlic and butter create a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and chicken.

why make this recipe

This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or a romantic dinner, the creamy garlic butter sauce adds a touch of luxury to your meal without requiring complex techniques. It is quick to make and requires only a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This dish can easily win over anyone’s heart and stomach, making it the ideal choice for any occasion.

how to make Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta

Making Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta is straightforward. Follow these steps to create a delicious dish that will impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients :

8 oz bowtie pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions :

Cook the pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick together. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the diced chicken cubes. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Add garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.
Make the sauce: After the garlic has cooked rightly, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and absorb the flavors of the chicken and garlic.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Using tongs or a spatula, toss the pasta in the creamy sauce until it is well coated. Make sure each piece of pasta and chicken gets covered with the creamy sauce.
Serve: Once combined, serve the Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta warm. For garnish, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Enjoy!

how to serve Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta

Serving this dish is simple. Place a generous portion of the creamy pasta and chicken in a bowl or on a plate. The vibrant green parsley adds a nice color contrast to the rich, creamy textures. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to lighten the meal. A glass of white wine can elevate the experience and complement the garlic butter flavors beautifully.

how to store Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be stored for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid overheating to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

tips to make Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta

Choose the Right Pasta: Bowtie pasta holds the sauce well, but you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer like penne or fusilli.
Don’t Rush the Chicken Cooking: Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly, as undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat.
Flavor Additions: For extra flavor, consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the skillet during the sauce preparation for added freshness and texture.
Garnish Creatively: Besides parsley, try using grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon for a delightful finish.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance, and store it separately from the pasta. Combine them when you’re ready to serve.

variation (if any)

This recipe is highly flexible. Here are a few variations you can try:

Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese, olives, and cherry tomatoes to give it a Mediterranean flair.
Spicy Version: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.
Protein Variations: Swap chicken with shrimp or sausage for a different protein profile.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli to make it a vegetarian delight.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. You may need to increase cooking time slightly.

2. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and pasta are usually well-received by kids. You can even reduce the amount of garlic if your children prefer a milder flavor.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While you can use milk, note that it will result in a thinner sauce. For a creamier texture, it’s best to stick with heavy cream or a combination of milk and a thickener.

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much moisture and losing its texture.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry made with cornstarch and water until it reaches your desired consistency.

This creamy and delightful Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta is not just a meal; it is an experience to enjoy and share with loved ones. Be adventurous and tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, but whatever you do, don’t skip the garlic butter—it’s the heart of this dish!

Dreamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta

Print Recipe

A creamy delight that combines the richness of garlic butter with tender chicken and bowtie pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz bowtie pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick together. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the diced chicken cubes. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked.
Add garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.
Make the sauce: After the garlic has cooked rightly, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Using tongs or a spatula, toss the pasta in the creamy sauce until it is well coated.
Serve: Once combined, serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. Can be served with garlic bread or salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken, pasta, creamy sauce, garlic butter, weeknight dinner