If you are looking for a comforting pasta dinner that is creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bowtie Pasta is an easy recipe you will want to make again and again. Juicy seasoned chicken is combined with tender bowtie pasta and coated in a silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to every piece.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, date nights, or any evening when you want something that feels restaurant-style without complicated preparation. The chicken adds hearty protein, while Parmesan, cream, garlic, butter, and herbs create a rich sauce with plenty of savory flavor.
One of the best things about homemade creamy chicken bowtie pasta is how easy it is to customize. You can add spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, or extra cheese depending on what you have available.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bowtie Pasta
This easy pasta recipe combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce in one satisfying meal.
The chicken is seasoned and seared until golden before being sliced into bite-sized pieces. Cooking it separately helps develop better flavor while preventing it from becoming overcooked in the cream sauce.
Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is perfect for creamy sauces because its folded shape and ridged center hold plenty of sauce.
The garlic Parmesan sauce comes together quickly with butter, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan, making this an excellent dinner when you want maximum comfort with relatively little effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Bowtie Pasta
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon salt, for the pasta water
- 1 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
For Garnishing
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Extra freshly grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bowtie Pasta
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels.
If they are particularly thick, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets or gently pound them to an even thickness.
Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Press the seasonings gently into the chicken so they adhere well during cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the seasoned chicken.
Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes on the first side without moving it too much.
Flip and cook for another 4–6 minutes, depending on thickness.
The chicken should be golden on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
3. Cook the Bowtie Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
Add the bowtie pasta.
Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
The pasta should be tender but still slightly firm in the center.
Before draining, reserve approximately 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta.
Do not rinse it.
Set aside.
4. Start the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.
Add the butter.
Once melted, add the minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
The garlic should become fragrant but should not turn dark brown.
Burned garlic can make the sauce bitter.
5. Deglaze the Skillet
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet.
Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape up the browned pieces left from cooking the chicken.
These browned bits add extra savory flavor to the sauce.
Allow the broth to simmer for approximately 2 minutes.
6. Add the Cream
Reduce the heat to low.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring.
Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Allow the sauce to warm gently for approximately 3–4 minutes.
Do not let it boil aggressively.
A gentle simmer helps the sauce thicken without causing the dairy to separate.
7. Add the Parmesan
Gradually sprinkle the Parmesan into the sauce while stirring continuously.
Add the cheese in small portions rather than all at once.
Continue stirring until the Parmesan melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water.
Add the lemon juice if using.
Taste before adding extra salt because Parmesan and chicken broth can already be salty.
8. Slice the Chicken
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Any juices that collect on the plate can be added to the sauce for extra flavor.
Keep the chicken pieces relatively even so they distribute well throughout the pasta.
9. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained bowtie pasta directly to the skillet.
Toss gently until every piece is coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
The sauce should look glossy and creamy and cling to the pasta without becoming heavy or dry.
10. Add the Chicken
Return the sliced chicken and its juices to the skillet.
Toss gently with the pasta.
Cook over low heat for approximately 1–2 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through.
Avoid cooking for too long because the chicken can become dry.
11. Adjust the Sauce
Check the consistency before serving.
If the sauce seems too thick, add another splash of pasta water or chicken broth.
If it seems too thin, allow it to sit over low heat for another minute.
Remember that Parmesan cream sauce continues thickening as it cools.
Taste and adjust the black pepper, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes if needed.
12. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Add extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and creamy.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bowtie Pasta
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread, breadsticks, or warm crusty bread.
For a lighter side, serve it with a Caesar salad, garden salad, cucumber salad, or arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
Roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or zucchini are also excellent options.
For a larger family meal, serve the pasta with roasted vegetables and garlic bread.
A simple tomato salad can also help balance the richness of the Parmesan cream sauce.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible because it melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning so it develops a better golden crust.
Do not overcook the chicken.
Reserve pasta water before draining the bowties.
Keep the heat low when adding heavy cream and Parmesan.
Add the Parmesan gradually while stirring.
Do not boil the sauce aggressively after adding the cheese.
Cook the pasta only until al dente.
Return the chicken to the sauce near the end so it stays juicy.
Serve immediately because cream sauces thicken naturally as they cool.
Easy Recipe Variations
For Creamy Chicken and Spinach Bowtie Pasta, stir 2–3 cups fresh spinach into the sauce until wilted.
For Chicken Mushroom Bowtie Pasta, sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms before preparing the cream sauce.
For Broccoli Chicken Parmesan Pasta, add 2 cups lightly steamed broccoli florets.
For Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta, add ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
For Bacon Garlic Parmesan Pasta, sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon over the finished dish.
For Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta, increase the red pepper flakes or add a little Cajun seasoning.
For Extra Cheesy Chicken Pasta, add shredded mozzarella or Romano along with the Parmesan.
For Creamy Shrimp Bowtie Pasta, replace the chicken with sautéed shrimp and reduce the cooking time accordingly.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Cream sauces become thicker after chilling.
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, or water.
Stir gently until the sauce loosens and the pasta is heated through.
Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave using short intervals.
Stir between intervals and add a little liquid if needed.
Freezing is possible, but cream-based sauces can separate slightly after thawing.
For the best texture, enjoy this pasta fresh or refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative and stay especially juicy.
Cook them until they reach at least 165°F (74°C) internally.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely.
Penne, rotini, fettuccine, rigatoni, shells, or linguine can all be used.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner.
Half-and-half is a better lighter substitute if you still want a creamy consistency.
Why did my Parmesan sauce become grainy?
The heat was probably too high or the cheese was added too quickly.
Use low heat and add freshly grated Parmesan gradually while stirring.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
You can, although creamy pasta has the best texture immediately after cooking.
When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely.
Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, asparagus, or zucchini all work very well.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Use evenly sized chicken pieces, avoid overcooking, and let the chicken rest before slicing.
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Keep the heat low, use freshly grated Parmesan, and add reserved pasta water as needed to maintain a smooth consistency.
Final Thoughts
This easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bowtie Pasta combines juicy seasoned chicken, tender farfalle, fresh garlic, butter, cream, herbs, and plenty of Parmesan in one rich and comforting dinner.
The silky sauce coats every piece of pasta while the golden chicken adds satisfying flavor and protein, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy weekend meals.
Serve it hot with roasted vegetables, salad, or garlic bread and finish with extra Parmesan and parsley for a creamy, cheesy pasta dinner packed with garlic flavor in every bite.