Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy One-Pan Weeknight Dinner

When you need a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner on the table fast, this garlic butter chicken pasta delivers everything you want. Tender chicken breast, al dente bowtie pasta, and a luxurious garlic butter sauce come together in one pan for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the hassle.

This recipe combines the simplicity of one-pan pasta dishes with the comforting flavors of garlic butter sauce. The bowtie pasta catches the creamy sauce beautifully, while the chicken stays moist and tender from the quick cooking method.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add red pepper flakes if using. Return cooked chicken to the skillet.

Step 6: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Expert Tips

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly into the sauce. Don’t skip the step of reserving pasta water – the starchy liquid helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.

If you love this creamy pasta style, you might enjoy our creamy cowboy butter chicken recipe, which features similar rich flavors in a comforting dinner format.

For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken. Simply warm the chicken in the sauce rather than cooking it from raw. This variation makes the dish even faster for those extra-busy nights.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully, you can substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat. For another flavorful pasta option with a kick, try our Cajun chicken spaghetti.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While it can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze just the cooked chicken and make fresh pasta and sauce when ready to serve.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Easy One-Pan Weeknight Dinner

This garlic butter chicken pasta combines tender chicken breast, al dente bowtie pasta, and a luxurious garlic butter sauce in one pan for a comforting restaurant-quality meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the hassle.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 525

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add red pepper flakes if using. Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
6. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting. Don’t skip reserving pasta water – the starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce.