Description
Creamy, rich, and packed with savory garlic flavor, this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a must-try comfort food dinner idea. Bowtie pasta gets coated in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce while juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared with garlic, herbs, and parmesan for a flavor-loaded main dish. Perfect for easy dinners, cozy food ideas, or quick yet satisfying family meals, this is one of those easy recipes that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Whether you’re after a quick dinner idea or an indulgent weekend treat, this cheesy pasta recipe hits the spot.
Ingredients
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
12 oz bowtie pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp chopped parsley
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Set aside.
4. Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Pour in cream and milk, simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
6. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
7. Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed for consistency.
8. Simmer pasta on low for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
9. Serve pasta with sliced garlic parmesan chicken on top or on the side.
10. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Always use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting and better flavor.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Add pasta water gradually to loosen the cheese sauce without watering it down.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1½ cups
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, garlic chicken, dinner ideas, comfort food, quick pasta, bowtie recipe