Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is everything comfort food should be. Perfectly cooked bowtie pasta wraps itself around a rich, velvety cheese sauce while the garlic parmesan chicken adds a savory depth that turns this dish from simple to unforgettable.

Whether you’re serving this on a busy weeknight or dishing it out for a cozy weekend meal, it brings a hearty balance of indulgence and ease. It tastes like something you ordered at your favorite restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to make right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish has the kind of flavor that instantly wins over a crowd. The bowtie pasta holds onto every drop of the creamy cheese sauce, making every bite satisfying. The garlic parmesan chicken isn’t just there for protein; it’s seasoned to perfection, pan-seared until golden, and finished with grated parmesan for a nutty, savory punch.

It’s also incredibly flexible. You can add in veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or toss in a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy twist. Plus, it reheats well, making it a fantastic leftover for the next day’s lunch.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Dish?

Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is ideal because its shape holds the sauce so well, but feel free to swap it for penne, rigatoni, or even rotini if you have those on hand. The most important thing is choosing a pasta with enough ridges or curves to carry that creamy cheesy goodness in every bite. If you want to go a little fancy, try fresh pasta or a tricolor version to make the dish pop visually.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

The success of this dish relies heavily on using quality ingredients. Each component plays a specific role in balancing the creaminess of the sauce and the savory depth of the chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bowtie pasta
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Garlic cloves
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

How To Make the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice into strips.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked bowtie pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Let it all warm together for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with a little extra parmesan or chopped parsley if you like. Perfect on its own or with a crisp side salad.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. You want it just al dente because it continues to cook slightly when mixed into the hot sauce. Another pitfall is using low-fat dairy products which can make the sauce separate or become grainy. Stick to heavy cream for that luxuriously smooth texture.

Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the chicken. Doing so can steam the meat instead of searing it, which means less flavor and an unappetizing texture. Also, resist the urge to dump cold cheese into the hot sauce—let your cheeses come to room temperature first so they melt more evenly.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Pasta Dish

This recipe generously feeds 4 people and is hearty enough to stand on its own. Serve it fresh off the stove with a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a touch of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. It’s an ideal centerpiece for a cozy dinner.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy consistency. It doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the cream-based sauce, so aim to enjoy it while fresh.

What to Serve With Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s the ultimate partner to soak up every bit of sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp lettuce and creamy dressing add a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Lightly charred broccoli florets bring a touch of smokiness and earthiness to the plate.

Caprese Salad

Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a balsamic glaze keep things bright and summery.

Sauteed Green Beans

Tossed with a bit of garlic and olive oil, these green beans bring color and crunch.

Balsamic Mushrooms

These deeply savory mushrooms enhance the umami factor and pair beautifully with the garlic parmesan flavor.

Sparkling Lemon Water

A refreshing beverage to cleanse your palate and balance the creaminess of the dish.

White Wine

If you’re sipping, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to explore more pasta dishes that bring comfort and flavor in every forkful:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a hearty, herby delight.
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles when you need something fast but packed with flavor.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for set-it-and-forget-it ease.
• Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni if you’re craving a meatier option.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach for a seafood twist.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken thighs instead? Did you spice it up with chili flakes or sneak in some spinach?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and more on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next comfort food favorite!

Conclusion

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It delivers rich, cheesy indulgence with every bite while remaining easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Once you make it, it just might become a regular in your dinner rotation. So roll up your sleeves, and get ready to twirl that fork into something truly delicious.

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