Some dinners have a way of making an ordinary evening feel a little more special. You hear the chicken sizzling in butter, smell fresh garlic hitting the warm skillet, and suddenly everyone starts wandering into the kitchen asking what you’re making.
That is exactly the kind of meal you get with Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce.
Tender pieces of seasoned chicken are tossed with bowtie pasta and coated in a silky cream sauce filled with garlic, Parmesan, butter, and Italian herbs. Every little fold of the pasta catches some of that creamy sauce, giving you plenty of flavor in every bite.
Even better, you don’t need complicated cooking techniques or a long list of unusual ingredients. This is the type of creamy chicken pasta you can prepare for a busy weeknight but still proudly serve when you have friends or family coming over.
If you’ve been searching for an easy creamy garlic butter chicken pasta that feels comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen, this recipe deserves a spot on your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce
There’s a reason creamy chicken pasta recipes are such dependable family dinners. You get your protein, pasta, and sauce together in one satisfying dish.
This version has a few qualities that make it especially good.
Rich, Creamy Flavor Without Complicated Steps
You don’t have to make a difficult restaurant-style sauce from scratch. Butter, fresh garlic, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning do most of the work.
The garlic gives the sauce its savory backbone while Parmesan adds a slightly salty, nutty flavor. Italian herbs bring everything together so the cream doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
Perfect for Busy Weeknight Dinners
Most of your cooking happens while the pasta boils.
While your bowties are cooking, you can season and brown your chicken. Once the chicken is done, you’ll build the sauce in the same skillet.
That means you can have a hearty homemade dinner on the table in roughly 35 minutes.
Easy to Customize
Another advantage of Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce is how easily you can make it your own.
Try adding:
- Baby spinach
- Sliced mushrooms
- Steamed broccoli
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Green peas
- Roasted red peppers
- Crushed red pepper flakes
You can even switch the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer darker, juicier meat.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce
You can find everything you need for this recipe in most grocery stores.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bowtie pasta | 12 oz | Main pasta base |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1½ lbs | Protein |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Adds richness |
| Fresh garlic | 5 cloves | Creates garlic flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1½ cups | Forms the cream sauce |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | Adds savory depth |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | Adds flavor and thickens sauce |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Provides herb flavor |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | Seasons the chicken |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances flavor |
| Black pepper | To taste | Adds mild spice |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp | Garnish and freshness |
| Red pepper flakes | Optional | Adds heat |
Why Bowtie Pasta Works So Well
Bowtie pasta, also called farfalle, isn’t only attractive on the plate. Its folded shape works particularly well with creamy sauces.
The sauce settles around the pinched centers and coats the wider edges, so you get creamy sauce throughout the dish instead of having it collect at the bottom of your skillet.
If you don’t have bowties, don’t worry.
You can substitute:
- Penne
- Fusilli
- Rotini
- Rigatoni
- Fettuccine
Just follow the cooking time listed on your pasta package since different shapes may require different amounts of time.
Choosing Your Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work especially well because they’re lean, easy to cut, and cook quickly.
Cut your chicken into pieces that are approximately the same size. When your pieces are relatively uniform, they’ll cook at roughly the same rate.
Chicken thighs are another excellent choice. They tend to stay moist and provide a slightly richer flavor.
Whichever cut you choose, cook poultry to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer. This is the USDA-recommended minimum internal temperature for poultry.
Use Fresh Garlic When Possible
Garlic powder can season your chicken, but fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference in the cream sauce.
As minced garlic cooks gently in melted butter, its sharp raw flavor softens and becomes fragrant and savory.
Just don’t walk away from your skillet at this stage. Garlic can burn quickly.
Parmesan Makes a Difference
Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for your sauce.
Many packaged pre-shredded cheeses contain ingredients intended to prevent the shreds from sticking together. When you’re trying to create an especially smooth cream sauce, freshly grated Parmesan is usually the better option.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce
Once your ingredients are prepared, the recipe comes together quickly.
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add your bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Before draining your pasta, scoop out approximately 1 cup of pasta water and set it aside.
You may not need all of it, but you’ll be glad you have it if your cream sauce becomes thicker than you want.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Season it with:
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer.
Avoid overcrowding your pan. Giving the chicken some room allows it to brown instead of simply steaming.
Cook until golden on the outside and completely cooked through, reaching 165°F internally.
Transfer your cooked chicken to a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce your heat to medium-low.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
Once melted, add your minced garlic.
Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, just until you can smell the garlic.
You don’t want it dark brown.
Using the same skillet means the flavorful browned bits left behind from cooking your chicken become part of the sauce instead of being wasted.
Step 4: Prepare the Italian Herb Cream Sauce
Pour in your chicken broth and gently scrape the bottom of the skillet.
Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
Stir everything together and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil.
Gradually stir in your Parmesan cheese.
Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Taste before adding additional salt because both Parmesan and chicken broth can already contribute plenty of saltiness.
If you enjoy a little heat, this is a good time to add crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained bowtie pasta.
Gently toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are thoroughly coated with the Italian herb cream sauce.
If your sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of your reserved pasta water.
Continue adding a little at a time until the sauce reaches the consistency you like.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove your skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta and finish with additional Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately while your sauce is warm and creamy.
How to Get a Smooth Italian Herb Cream Sauce
A creamy pasta sauce should coat your bowties without becoming heavy, grainy, or gluey.
A few small cooking choices make a big difference.
Keep Your Heat Under Control
Once you add the heavy cream, you don’t need an aggressive boil.
Gentle heat gives you more control over the sauce while your Parmesan melts.
Add Parmesan Gradually
Don’t dump the entire cup of Parmesan into the skillet at once.
Add it in smaller portions while stirring continuously.
This makes it easier to incorporate the cheese evenly.
Don’t Throw Away Your Pasta Water
Reserved pasta water is one of the easiest ways to rescue an overly thick sauce.
Start with one or two tablespoons.
Toss your pasta and check the consistency before adding more.
Remember that cream sauces often become thicker as they sit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even an easy chicken bowtie pasta can turn out differently depending on a few details.
Overcooking Your Chicken
Small chicken pieces cook surprisingly quickly. Once they’re cooked through, remove them from your skillet while you make the sauce.
You’ll return them later, so there’s no reason to leave them cooking throughout the entire process.
Burning the Garlic
Your garlic only needs a short amount of time in the butter.
If it becomes deeply browned or burnt, it can add an unpleasant bitter flavor to your entire sauce.
Overcooking Your Pasta
Aim for al dente bowties rather than very soft pasta.
Remember, your pasta spends additional time in the warm sauce at the end.
Making Your Sauce Too Thick
If your Parmesan cream sauce looks perfect in the skillet but becomes thicker a few minutes later, don’t panic.
Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water, broth, cream, or milk until the consistency loosens.
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Variations
Once you’ve made the basic recipe, you can change it depending on what you have in your refrigerator.
Chicken Bowties With Spinach
Stir a few handfuls of baby spinach into your sauce shortly before adding the pasta.
The spinach wilts quickly and adds color without requiring another pan.
Chicken Bowties With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes bring a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that works particularly well with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bowties
Sauté sliced mushrooms in your skillet before cooking the garlic.
Let them brown before adding them to your finished pasta.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
If you prefer some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.
Start small—you can always sprinkle more over your individual serving.
Chicken and Broccoli Bowties
Add lightly steamed broccoli during the final few minutes.
It’s an easy way to turn your creamy chicken pasta into a more vegetable-packed dinner.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Because the pasta itself is rich and filling, your side dishes can stay simple.
Try serving it with:
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Caesar salad
- Italian chopped salad
- Simple garden salad
- Garlic bread
- Toasted baguette
A crisp salad is particularly useful because its fresh flavors provide contrast against the rich Parmesan cream sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to shallow containers and refrigerate them promptly.
USDA food-safety guidance recommends refrigerating perishable foods within two hours of cooking or serving, or within one hour when temperatures are above 90°F. Properly refrigerated cooked leftovers are generally recommended for use within 3–4 days.
How to Reheat Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Cream-based pasta sauces naturally become thicker after refrigeration.
Place your portion in a skillet over low to medium-low heat and add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth.
Stir gently as the pasta warms.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stopping occasionally to stir.
For food safety, USDA guidance recommends reheating leftovers to 165°F.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Keep these simple tips in mind:
- Cut your chicken into similar-sized pieces.
- Salt your pasta water.
- Don’t overcook the bowties.
- Reserve pasta water before draining.
- Use fresh garlic whenever possible.
- Cook garlic gently so it doesn’t burn.
- Keep your cream sauce at a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan gradually.
- Taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
- Serve your pasta shortly after combining everything.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Recipe Card
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season the chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden and completely cooked through to 165°F. Transfer it to a plate.
- Reduce the heat and melt the remaining butter in the skillet.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the skillet.
- Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked bowties.
- Toss until everything is coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Finish with parsley, extra Parmesan, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce
What Is Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce?
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce is a creamy pasta dish made with seasoned chicken, farfalle pasta, garlic, butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs.
You get a combination of savory, cheesy, buttery, and herbaceous flavors in one skillet.
Can You Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide a slightly richer flavor.
Just make sure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
What Can You Substitute for Bowtie Pasta?
You can use penne, rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
Choose a pasta shape that can hold plenty of creamy sauce.
Can You Add Vegetables?
Absolutely.
Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, peas, asparagus, and sun-dried tomatoes are all good options.
Why Did Your Cream Sauce Become Too Thick?
The Parmesan, cream, and starch from your pasta continue thickening as the dish sits.
Add a small amount of reserved pasta water, milk, cream, or chicken broth and stir until your desired consistency returns.
Can You Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Spicy?
Yes. Add crushed red pepper flakes while preparing your sauce or sprinkle them over individual portions.
How Do You Keep the Sauce Creamy When Reheating?
Use gentle heat and add a splash of milk, cream, or broth.
Stir frequently as the pasta reheats so the sauce becomes creamy again instead of drying out.
Conclusion
When you’re craving comfort food but don’t want dinner to turn into an all-evening project, Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce gives you the best of both worlds.
You get juicy seasoned chicken, tender bowtie pasta, fragrant garlic butter, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and a rich cream sauce—all in a dinner that’s straightforward enough for a weeknight.
You can keep the original recipe simple or make it your own with spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pair it with garlic bread and a crisp salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels much more elaborate than the effort required.
Save this Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce recipe for your next pasta night, and if you make it, leave a comment sharing what you added or changed. Don’t forget to share the recipe with someone who can never say no to a creamy garlic chicken pasta dinner!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Italian Herb Cream Sauce
