If you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is about to become your new go-to. It’s a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all tossed in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce. The result? A cozy, restaurant-quality meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make.

There’s something magical about pasta dinners that feel both hearty and elegant without being complicated. This one ticks all the boxes. It’s family-friendly, weeknight-approved, and guaranteed to leave everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just want a comforting meal after a busy day, this dish is a winner.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from the essential ingredients to expert tips, customization ideas, and answers to common questions — so you can master this creamy, cheesy chicken pasta like a pro.

Recipe Overview

Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Category: Dinner / Pasta / Comfort Food
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

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• Author: Ashley
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with bold garlic flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is your new weeknight favorite. Juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a rich sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

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👨‍🍳 Author: Ashley Vaughn

🌍 Cuisine: General

🍰 Category: Pasta

Ingredients:

01

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

02

1 pound bowtie pasta

03

4 tablespoons butter, divided

04

2 tablespoons olive oil

05

2 cloves garlic, minced

06

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

07

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

Step 01

Calories: ~650 per serving

Step 02

Total Fat: 38g

Step 03

Saturated Fat: 22g

Step 04

Carbohydrates: 45g

Step 05

Protein: 36g

Step 06

Sodium: 820mg

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• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and stir in Velveeta, cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
2. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.
3. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan into the skillet and stir until melted and gooey. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and serve immediately.

Notes

Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Finish with fresh herbs for brightness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner / Pasta / Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: garlic butter, chicken pasta, bowtie pasta, creamy chicken, comfort food

What You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is all about choosing the right ingredients and letting them shine. Each component has a specific purpose, and when combined, they deliver a deeply comforting and flavorful dish.

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken is the protein star — juicy, tender, and perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
• Bowtie Pasta: Also known as farfalle, its shape is ideal for catching creamy sauce in every bite.

• Butter & Olive Oil: The base of the sauce — butter adds richness, while olive oil prevents burning and adds flavor depth.
• Garlic: The heart of this dish. Freshly minced garlic infuses every layer with bold aroma and taste.
• Seasonings: Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, and black pepper create a flavor-packed profile with just the right amount of kick.
• Cheeses: Velveeta and cream cheese melt into a luscious sauce, while mozzarella and Parmesan add gooey stretch and salty depth.
• Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth: Together, they form the silky, luxurious base that ties the whole dish together.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste

STEP-BY-STEP PREPARATION

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Build the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and stir in Velveeta, cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.

5️⃣ Finish With Cheese:
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan into the skillet and stir until melted and gooey. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and serve immediately.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~650 per serving
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 36g
• Sodium: 820mg

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich & Creamy: A luscious, cheesy garlic butter sauce coats every piece of pasta.
• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing, even for picky eaters.
• Versatile: Works as a stand-alone meal or pairs beautifully with salads and garlic bread.

Expert Tips for Success

⭐ Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensures quick, uniform cooking and tender bites.
⭐ Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a deeper, more robust flavor than jarred.
⭐ Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and absorbs sauce beautifully.
⭐ Add Pasta Water: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
⭐ Finish With Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or basil brightens the rich, creamy flavors.

Customization Ideas

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, Italian sausage, or rotisserie chicken for a twist.
• Lighten It Up: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half and use reduced-fat cheeses.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in single-serve portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat Gently: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

What to Serve With It

This hearty pasta dish pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic Bread: For soaking up that extra creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp side to balance the richness.
• Roasted Veggies: Try asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
• White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the buttery sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then cook the pasta fresh before serving. Reheat everything together with a splash of cream.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well, though bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully.

How do I make it less rich?
Swap heavy cream for milk or half-and-half, and use less cheese. You’ll still get a deliciously creamy sauce with fewer calories.

Can I bake this into a casserole?
Yes! Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.