The warm, inviting scent of garlic and butter fills the kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy Italian trattoria. This Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is my go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when I want to treat my family to a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this dish features tender chicken enveloped in a silky garlic butter sauce that clings perfectly to the playful bowtie pasta. Plus, it’s a family-friendly favorite, making sure everyone sits down at the table with smiles on their faces. Ready to dive into a bowl of cozy deliciousness? Let’s get started on this delightful journey!
Why is this recipe a family favorite?
Ease of Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavors That Comfort: The rich garlic and buttery sauce envelops the chicken and pasta, creating a dish that warms the soul.
Flexible Ingredients: Use the chicken, shrimp, or tofu—it’s easily adaptable to fit any dietary need, making it a versatile choice for your family.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its delightful texture and satisfying taste, this recipe guarantees everyone will ask for seconds! Serve it with fresh veggies or a side salad for a complete meal.
For more quick and delicious meals, check out our easy pasta recipes or explore family-friendly dinner ideas!
Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta Ingredients
• Dive into the flavors of this Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta!
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and easy to cook, ensuring perfect texture in every bite.
For the Sauce
- Fresh minced garlic – Offers a robust flavor that infuses the dish with warmth.
- Butter – Provides a rich, savory base for the sauce; swap for olive oil if you prefer a lighter touch.
For the Pasta
- Bowtie pasta – Fun and appealing for all ages; feel free to use any pasta shape you love.
Optional Cheesiness
- Parmesan cheese – Grate over the top for an extra burst of flavor; nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free alternative.
Now you’re all set to create this delightful family favorite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
With the chicken still in the skillet, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet, along with any remaining garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 2 minutes on low heat. The dish should look glossy and inviting.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta onto plates and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color. Serve warm with your favorite steamed vegetables or a fresh salad on the side to create a comforting family meal that everyone will love.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Fun Twists
Feel free to unleash your creativity with this recipe and customize it to match your taste buds!
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Seafood Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a delightful twist. The garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with tender shrimp, adding a touch of sweetness.
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Veggie Delight: Toss in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. This addition not only boosts flavor but also brings vibrant colors to your plate.
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Pasta Options: Switch the bowtie pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. This makes it easier for everyone in the family to enjoy this comforting meal, regardless of dietary preferences.
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Herb Blend: Enhance the flavor by incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A pinch of these aromatic herbs elevates the dish to a gourmet level, making your kitchen smell heavenly.
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Slow Cooker Method: Use the slow cooker for effortless preparation. Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours for a fuss-free family dinner.
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Air Fryer Crunch: For a crispy finish, air fry the chicken pieces for 10-12 minutes before combining with pasta. This gives a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the buttery sauce.
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Heat Level: Spice things up with a dash of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeños. A little heat enhances the flavors, making each bite even more exciting.
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Nutritional Yeast: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. This will still provide a cheesy flavor, perfect for vegans or those with lactose intolerance.
For additional inspiration, you might want to explore our easy pasta recipes or check out some family-friendly dinner ideas for further culinary adventures!
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
Elevate your meal experience with delightful sides that enhance the rich flavors of this comforting dish.
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Steamed Broccoli: Adds a vibrant green crunch, balancing the buttery sauce with a fresh element. Its slight bitterness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of garlic.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing create a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta, making each bite a delightful surprise.
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Garlic Bread: A classic choice, the warm, crunchy bread soaked in garlic butter complements the dish beautifully and is ideal for mopping up any sauce.
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Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, providing colorful accents alongside the pasta dish.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy and tangy slaw balances the richness of the garlic butter chicken, adding a refreshing bite with every forkful.
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Lemonade Spritzer: A zesty drink that cleanses the palate with its citrusy taste, making it a refreshing companion to this hearty meal.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End on a sweet note! These warm, gooey cookies offer a nostalgic comfort, perfect for rounding off a family dinner.
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Herb-Infused Quinoa: This light and fluffy option brings a nutty flavor to the table while providing a nutritious grain alternative alongside the pasta.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta ahead of time is a breeze and perfect for busy weeknights! You can cook the chicken and prepare the garlic butter sauce up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate the cooked chicken in an airtight container. The bowtie pasta can also be boiled and stored, but do drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the chicken and sauce on low heat until warmed through, then toss with the pasta for a quick finish. With these make ahead options, you’ll enjoy a flavorful meal that’s just as delicious, while saving valuable time during the week!
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the rich flavors of your garlic butter chicken while keeping it fresh and safe.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions of the garlic butter chicken in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing!
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your meal again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy sauce.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare this comforting dish ahead of time, refrigerating it before baking. Just be mindful of storing it properly, ensuring it lasts and tastes great!
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken
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Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Undercooking can lead to food safety issues.
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Garlic Timing: Sauté minced garlic just until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Overcooked garlic can impart a bitter taste to your garlic butter chicken.
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Pasta Cooking: Aim for al dente when boiling bowtie pasta. It will continue to cook slightly after combining with the sauce, ensuring the perfect texture.
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Balancing Flavors: Season your dish at every stage. Add a pinch of salt to the pasta water and taste before serving—adjusting seasoning can elevate your garlic butter chicken.
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Garnish with Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness, making the dish visually appealing and delicious.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, as they are easy to work with and cook quickly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! To freeze your Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta, let it cool completely after cooking, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Just press out as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on low heat to enjoy your cozy meal again.
What should I do if the garlic burns while cooking?
If your garlic starts to burn, it can give the dish an unpleasant bitter flavor. Next time, be sure to keep an eye on it while sautéing and lower the heat if necessary. If it does burn, I suggest starting a new batch of garlic butter sauce as it’s best to avoid any burnt bits from affecting the overall flavor of your dish.
Is this recipe suitable for those with dairy allergies?
Definitely! To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a light olive oil and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Always check ingredient labels to ensure all your items are dairy-free, especially pre-packaged products.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Very! You can add seasonal vegetables to your Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta to enhance its nutritional value and color. Simply sauté vegetables like broccoli or spinach in the garlic butter sauce after the chicken is cooked, then combine them with the pasta for a delightful, veggie-filled feast.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves until fragrant.
- Add 1 pound of chicken breasts and cook for 7-10 minutes until golden brown and reaches 165°F.
- In boiling salted water, cook 8 ounces of bowtie pasta until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
- Slice cooked chicken and combine with pasta in the skillet, tossing to coat with remaining garlic butter sauce for 2 minutes.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optionally garnish with parsley.