If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible meal, you cannot go wrong with this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender chicken thighs seared to perfection, swimming in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that envelops every perfectly cooked bowtie pasta piece. The combination of gooey melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese creates a luscious, cheesy embrace that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds in every bite. This dish is a true weeknight hero that feels like a special occasion every time you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe plays a vital role, from the tender chicken delivering meaty richness to the cheese and cream providing that velvety texture and bold flavor. These simple building blocks come together to form an unforgettable dish that’s both easy and elegant.
- 2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle): The perfect shape to hold creamy sauces in their little folds and creases.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs stay tender and absorb marinades well.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish its aromatic depth and a touch of bite.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps develop a beautifully smooth sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides a creamy base that carries the flavors and coats the pasta perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and essential for that classic Parmesan flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy textural contrast.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a little warmth and balance without overwhelming.
How to Make Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until it’s al dente, which usually means just tender with a slight bite to it. This texture is important because it ensures your pasta won’t turn mushy once mixed into the creamy sauce. After draining, be sure to save about half a cup of the pasta water; it will come in handy later to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your boneless chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Melt 1½ tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then place the chicken in the pan. The key here is to get a golden-brown crust while locking in all the juices, which usually takes 4 to 5 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and slice or cube it, setting it aside until it’s time to reunite with that cheesy pasta.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet where the chicken cooked (this adds extra flavor), melt the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until it releases that fragrant smell filling your kitchen. This step builds the flavor foundation beneath the creamy sauce, so be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be soft and aromatic.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour the heavy cream directly into the skillet with the garlic and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once the cream is hot, stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses slowly, allowing them to melt evenly. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth, velvety, and irresistibly cheesy. This luscious sauce is the glue that ties the entire dish together.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up—this helps the sauce cling to the pasta without pooling at the bottom. The goal is perfect coverage, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Step 6: Bring It All Together with Chicken
Return the sliced chicken to the saucepan and gently toss or spoon it over the cheesy pasta. This lets the warm chicken soak up the flavors without drying out. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken arranged on top for a visually appealing presentation. Either way, this step melds all components into one glorious dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot
To finish off this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley and an extra handful of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and gooey, and watch it disappear off the plates in no time.
How to Serve Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful garnish that brings a bright color and mild herbal note to balance the rich cheese sauce. Adding a few twists of cracked black pepper or an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving also enhances the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. These fresh and slightly tangy accompaniments cut through the richness and add a great textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls topped with a fresh parsley sprig. You could even bake the pasta with an extra layer of mozzarella on top until golden and bubbly for a festive twist. Leftovers can be plated neatly and garnished again for an impressive yet easy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to preserve flavor and texture.
Freezing
While freshly made is best, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and leave a little space for expansion. When freezing, it’s a good idea to undercook the pasta slightly during the initial boil to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain the creamy texture and even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work well, but they tend to be leaner and may dry out faster. Be sure to not overcook them and consider pounding them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a popular alternative, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.
Is it okay to use pre-grated cheese?
Pre-grated cheese is convenient but often includes anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and improves the sauce’s texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers to keep it filling and delicious. The cheese sauce alone is rich enough to carry the dish.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked just enough to be tender but still has a slight firmness when bitten. The best way is to cook according to package instructions and taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up to check texture.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe a spot in your dinner rotation. It combines comforting familiarity with rich, luxurious flavors that will impress everyone gathered around your table. Once you try it, you might find it becoming your go-to meal when you want something that feels homemade, hearty, and downright delicious. So, get your skillet ready, and prepare to enjoy one of the coziest dishes you’ll ever make!
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Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and comforting Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs, rich garlic-infused cream sauce, and a perfect blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning chicken)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat 1½ tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear them until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and slice or cube as preferred.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Gradually stir in the shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the sliced or cubed chicken to the skillet, gently mixing it in with the pasta and sauce to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency for the perfect creamy texture.
- Chicken thighs provide juicy, flavorful meat but chicken breasts can be substituted if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
