Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bliss

Oh, you’re gonna love this one—my cheesy bowtie pasta with garlic parmesan chicken is pure comfort food magic! Creamy, garlicky, and packed with tender chicken, it’s the kind of dish that disappears way too fast from the dinner table. And the best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it my go-to when I need something indulgent but don’t want to spend all night cooking. Seriously, this recipe saved me on so many chaotic weeknights when takeout was tempting me. The sauce clings to every nook of those cute little bowties, and the crispy-edged chicken? Absolute perfection. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

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

This dish checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal—here’s why:

• Ready in 30 minutes—faster than waiting for delivery!
• Creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to every bowtie noodle like a cozy blanket
• Golden, garlicky chicken with crispy edges and juicy centers
• Balanced comfort food—protein-packed chicken meets satisfying carbs
• Fancy enough for guests but easy enough for lazy nights

Ingredients for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Grab these simple ingredients – I bet you’ve got most in your kitchen already! The magic happens when they all come together:

• 8 oz bowtie pasta (those cute little farfalle hold sauce perfectly!)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total – slice them into strips for even cooking)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (please, please use fresh – the pregrated stuff just doesn’t melt the same)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 if you’re like me and believe you can never have enough garlic)
• 1 cup heavy cream (this is where the luxurious texture comes from – no skimping!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for getting that perfect golden sear on the chicken)
• 1 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you have it)
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley (for that pretty green finish)

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How to Make Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together in three simple steps – pasta, chicken, then the magic sauce. I promise it’s easier than it looks, and the results? Pure comfort food heaven.

Cook the Pasta

First things first – get that pasta going! Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil (I use about 1 tablespoon of salt – it should taste like the sea). Toss in your bowtie pasta and cook according to the package, usually about 10-12 minutes for al dente. Drain it, but don’t rinse – we want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling later. Just set it aside while you work on the chicken.

Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken strips well with salt and pepper – don’t be shy here! When the oil is shimmering (test it with a drop of water – if it sizzles, you’re good), add the chicken in a single layer. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until you get that beautiful golden crust. The chicken’s done when it hits 165°F inside (a meat thermometer is your best friend here). Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil – this lets the juices redistribute so your chicken stays juicy.

Make the Cheesy Sauce

Same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds – you want it fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic is bitter!). Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Now for the star – gradually whisk in the parmesan until it’s completely melted and smooth. Pro tip: Keep the heat medium-low when adding cheese to prevent curdling. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little pasta water to thin it out.

Combine and Serve

Time for the grand finale! Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet with that luscious sauce. Toss everything together until every bowtie is coated in cheesy goodness. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley for color and freshness. Grab a fork and dig in – this is what comfort tastes like!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss secrets:

• Freshly grate your parmesan – that pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make sauces grainy
• Save 1/2 cup pasta water before draining – it’s magic for loosening up thick sauce
• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing – keeps all those juicy flavors locked in
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken – crispy edges need space!
• Low and slow with the sauce – rushing the cheese melting leads to clumps

Trust me, these little touches make all the difference between good pasta and knock-your-socks-off pasta!

Variations for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can switch it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried:

• Veggie boost: Stir in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms right with the sauce
• Sun-dried tomato sophistication: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for tangy bursts
• Seafood swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken—just cook until pink!
• Gluten-free: Any pasta shape works—I love gluten-free penna here
• Extra kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños

The beauty is—you can make it yours while keeping that creamy, cheesy goodness!

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy bowtie pasta deserves the perfect partners! I love serving it with garlic bread for sauce-dipping heaven, or a crisp side salad to balance the richness. For veggies, roasted broccoli or asparagus work beautifully. And wine? A chilled Chardonnay complements that garlicky creaminess just right.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store this cheesy bowtie pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm it gently on the stove—the sauce will come back to life beautifully. Microwave works too, but stir every 30 seconds to prevent that weird rubbery texture. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunch the next day even more delicious!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the breakdown per serving (keep in mind, these are estimates): 620 calories, 38g protein, 45g carbs, 32g fat. It’s indulgent but balanced—perfect for a satisfying meal!

FAQs About Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out—I love hearing your kitchen adventures!