Description
Dive into a rich and savory Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta that combines succulent chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a decadent garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 6 cloves fresh garlic (finely minced or grated)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Dried Italian herbs (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Chicken: Start by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of dried Italian herbs. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until it's al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Build the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced fresh garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Creamify: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce gently simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir in half of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce.