Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken brings together bold, buttery flavors and rich textures in one unforgettable plate. Perfectly cooked bowtie (farfalle) pasta is coated in a velvety cheese sauce and tossed with fresh herbs, while tender chicken thighs are pan-seared to golden perfection, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat, then finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish strikes that beautiful balance between cozy and elevated, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What truly sets this dish apart is the flavor contrast: the creamy pasta hugs every curve of the bowtie noodles, while the garlic-parmesan-crusted chicken adds a smoky, savory bite that cuts through the richness. Whether you’re looking for a quick comfort meal or something to impress guests, this recipe delivers. With each forkful, you’ll get crispy-edged chicken and cheesy pasta—comfort food doesn’t get better than this.

---

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

• Comfort food at its finest – Think creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness.
• Weeknight-friendly – Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
• Family-approved – Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
• Customizable – Easily adaptable with veggies or different cheeses.
• One-pan friendly – Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Protein-packed – Juicy chicken thighs add satisfying substance.
• Balanced textures – Creamy pasta meets crispy, golden chicken.
• Crowd-pleasing – Perfect for potlucks, dinners, or leftovers.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

To create this rich and flavorful dish seamlessly, you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready. The process is straightforward, but using the right tools makes a big difference in achieving that perfect creamy sauce and beautifully seared chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Large Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: For searing the chicken to golden-brown perfection and retaining heat evenly.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for making the cheese sauce without burning or sticking.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling the bowtie pasta—make sure it’s roomy enough so the pasta cooks evenly.
• Tongs: Great for flipping the chicken without piercing it and losing juices.
• Whisk: Crucial for ensuring a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Colander: For draining the pasta efficiently.
• Microplane or Cheese Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives more flavor.
• Instant-read Thermometer (optional): Helps make sure the chicken reaches a safe 165°F inside without overcooking.

Each of these tools plays a role in either controlling temperature or preserving texture, so don’t skip out if you want restaurant-quality results at home.

---

Preparation Tips

• Use room temperature chicken: Let the chicken sit out for 15–20 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
• Salt your pasta water: This is your one chance to season the pasta itself—go generous.
• Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercooked pasta will continue to absorb flavor from the cheese sauce later.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Pat chicken dry before searing: Moisture on the surface of the chicken will steam it instead of browning it.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to get that golden crust.
• Reserve some pasta water: The starchy water can loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta better.
• Let the chicken rest: Rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain all the juices inside.

---

Ingredients for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this rich and savory dish together. The ingredients are simple, but when layered right, they deliver huge flavor.

For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta:

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed, to adjust sauce consistency)

These ingredients create a flavorful balance between the creamy, cheesy richness of the pasta and the garlicky, savory bite of the chicken.

---

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Rub this mixture all over the chicken pieces.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Carefully place the chicken thighs into the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).

Once done, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Remove from heat and let rest.

---

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

---

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, but do not boil.

Add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

---

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing until every piece is well coated. Let it simmer on low for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish with more parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

---

Step 5: Serve

Plate the cheesy bowtie pasta next to or underneath the garlic parmesan chicken. Spoon some of the buttery pan juices from the chicken over the pasta for extra flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

---

Notes

• Fresh is best: Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the most flavorful results. Pre-minced or pre-shredded alternatives just don’t deliver the same depth.
• Don’t skip resting the chicken: Letting the chicken rest after searing helps retain its juiciness when sliced.
• Control the sauce thickness: Adjust the sauce with reserved pasta water if it’s too thick, or simmer it longer if it’s too thin.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: It should be al dente—firm to the bite—so it doesn’t go mushy when tossed with the hot cheese sauce.
• Using cold chicken straight from the fridge: That can lead to uneven cooking. Let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before searing.
• Crowding the skillet: This prevents proper browning. If needed, cook the chicken in two batches.
• Not seasoning in layers: Season the chicken, the pasta water, and the sauce. Skipping one can result in a flat-tasting dish.
• Letting the sauce boil: Keep the heat on a gentle simmer. Boiling can cause the cream to separate or curdle.
• Adding cheese to high heat: This may cause clumping or greasy separation. Always reduce the heat before adding cheeses.
• Skipping the pasta water: It’s a great tool to adjust the texture of your sauce and make it cling to the noodles.
• Overcooking the chicken: Use an instant-read thermometer if unsure—165°F is the sweet spot for juicy thighs.

---

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

While this dish is rich and satisfying on its own, pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate your meal into a full-on feast. From light salads to crusty breads, here are some delicious additions.

8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread

A golden, buttery classic—perfect for scooping up any leftover cheese sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons balance out the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts

Adds a bit of crunch and a healthy green element to the plate.

4. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.

5. Steamed Asparagus with Lemon

Light and zesty, it cuts through the creamy base of the dish beautifully.

6. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Simple and earthy greens to round out the meal without overpowering it.

7. Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini

Crispy and cheesy, yet light enough to complement the pasta without being too much.

8. Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Water

A crisp drink helps balance the richness of the cheese and the savory chicken.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place the pasta and chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For best texture, store the pasta and chicken separately if possible.

Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in 45-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:
While the chicken freezes well for up to 2 months, the creamy pasta sauce may separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze, store the chicken and pasta separately, and reheat gently with added cream to revive the sauce.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1/4 of Recipe)

• Calories: 685
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 510mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Serving Size: About 1½ cups
• Category: Dinner / Comfort Food
• Diet: High Protein

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be careful not to overcook them—they can dry out faster than thighs.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook everything, let it cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

3. Is there a way to make this lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and reduce the cheese slightly. Consider adding more veggies like spinach or broccoli to bulk it up.

4. What’s the best cheese substitute for mozzarella?

Fontina, provolone, or a mild cheddar can be great alternatives, though they’ll alter the flavor slightly. Avoid pre-shredded cheese for best meltability.

5. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?

Lower the heat before adding cheese and stir constantly. Make sure your cheese is freshly grated, as it melts more smoothly.

6. Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes work great and pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

7. What type of pasta can I use instead of bowtie?

Penne, rotini, shells, or fettuccine all hold onto the creamy sauce nicely. Just be sure to cook them al dente.

8. Is this recipe spicy?

Only mildly—thanks to the optional red pepper flakes. You can skip them entirely or increase the amount if you want more heat.

---

Conclusion

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken isn’t just a meal—it’s a weeknight savior, a dinner party delight, and a soul-warming dish rolled into one. With creamy, indulgent pasta and crispy, flavorful chicken, it brings the kind of comfort and satisfaction we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe checks every box: easy, delicious, and oh-so-rewarding.

Ready to make your dinner unforgettable? Let the cheesy goodness begin.

---

Print