Bow Tie Pasta With Creamy Garlic Chicken

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta; 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Classic Family Meals

I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta With Creamy Garlic Chicken because it’s one of those dishes that feels comforting yet indulgent. The combination of tender chicken and creamy garlic sauce enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. I often whip this up for family dinners when I want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s ease, flavor, and the delicious aroma that fills my home make it a go-to favorite in my household.

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:49:37.597Z

While experimenting with flavors, I discovered that sautéing garlic in butter before adding cream creates a depth of flavor that's simply divine. Each time I make this dish, I find that using fresh garlic rather than minced from a jar can elevate the taste dramatically, making it feel whole and rich. The aroma in my kitchen as it cooks is just as rewarding as the final dish.

I've learned that the key to a silky sauce is to let it simmer gently, allowing the garlic to infuse the cream without scorching. Adding freshly grated Parmesan just before serving gives a burst of umami that compliments the chicken beautifully, and garnishing with parsley not only adds color but also freshness. It's a delightful meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce infused with roasted garlic flavor
Tender chicken that pairs perfectly with al dente bow tie pasta
Quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for guests

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredients of Bow Tie Pasta With Creamy Garlic Chicken are, of course, the bow tie pasta and the chicken. Bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is great for holding onto the creamy sauce with its unique shape, creating a satisfying bite. It's important to cook the pasta just until al dente; this means it should be tender but still firm to the bite, usually 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. The right texture will help the pasta absorb the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.

When selecting your chicken, opting for fresh boneless breasts over frozen is ideal for achieving a tender texture and better flavor. Make sure to cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed shrimp or even a selection of seasonal veggies for a delightful vegetarian twist that absorbs the garlic flavors nicely.

Mastering the Sauce

The creamy garlic sauce is the heart of this dish, and its richness comes from using heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For the best flavor, opt for real Parmesan rather than pre-grated alternatives, as it will melt smoother and offer a more pronounced flavor. When adding the cream to the sautéed garlic, keep an eye on the heat; simmer too vigorously, and you risk separating the cream. You want a gentle simmer to create a luscious, velvety texture.

Roasting garlic beforehand can elevate the flavor profile of your sauce. While you would typically use minced garlic, roasting gives it a sweeter, milder flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cream. Simply wrap a whole head of garlic in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, roast it at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, and then squeeze the roast garlic cloves into the sauce in place of a portion of the minced garlic.

Perfecting Your Dish

Tossing the chicken and cooked pasta in the sauce should be done over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld while ensuring everything is heated thoroughly without overcooking. Be patient—you'll know it's time to serve when the pasta is glossy and every piece is perfectly coated in sauce. Remember to check the seasoning; often, a pinch more salt and pepper can lift the entire dish to new heights.

For serving, consider pairing this pasta with a light side salad and crisp white wine to cut through the rich flavors. If you're looking to make ahead, prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop while adding a splash of cream to bring everything back to life. This dish also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious and creamy dish:

Ingredients

12 oz bow tie pasta
2 boneless chicken breasts, diced
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready and within reach before you start cooking for an easier experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delightful meal:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Bow Tie Pasta With Creamy Garlic Chicken!

Serving this dish with a crisp salad on the side complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta dish can be an elegant main course, particularly when garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. To elevate your serving style, consider sprinkling with additional Parmesan and a touch of lemon zest, which cuts through the creamy richness and adds a bright finish. You can also pair it with garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.

For a family-style presentation, serve the pasta in a large bowl and allow guests to help themselves. This dish is perfect for potlucks or gatherings because it can be doubled easily; just ensure you maintain a consistent cooking time when scaling up, as larger quantities can take slightly longer to heat through.

Dietary Modifications

If you prefer a lighter dish, substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk can work, although the result will be less creamy. To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) towards the end of cooking. For a dairy-free version, use cashew cream or coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheese-like flavor.

Vegetarians can enjoy a variation of this recipe by replacing chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Just sauté these substitutions in place of the chicken for a similar cooking time, ensuring they're slightly golden and tender before adding to the sauce.

Common Troubleshooting

If your sauce appears to be too thick or is clumping, it may be caused by cooking the cream at too high a temperature. Simply add a bit of warm pasta cooking water or additional cream and stir vigorously over low heat until the desired consistency is achieved. The pasta water contains starch that can help emulsify and smooth out the sauce.

Should you find that your sauce lacks flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while cooking the garlic for an added depth. Acidity helps balance the richness. If you’ve added too much salt, a pinch of sugar can help to neutralize the saltiness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, but be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

You can substitute the bow tie pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients, like broth or cream, are gluten-free.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but it's best to cook the pasta fresh to prevent it from becoming mushy.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs wonderfully with this creamy pasta dish.