Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

There’s something so special about a warm, cheesy pasta dish, isn’t there? This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is pure comfort in a bowl, with tender chicken and fun bowtie pasta all wrapped in a rich, velvety three-cheese sauce. It’s creamy, satisfying, and has that homemade taste that makes any weeknight feel a little cozier. This recipe is one of those meals my family asks for again and again.

Growing up, a big casserole or a hearty pasta dish on the table was the signal for all of us to gather around and share stories from our day. It was never about fancy ingredients, but about the love cooked into the meal. I’ve carried that feeling into my own kitchen, and this dish truly captures that spirit.

Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal cleanup, it’s a meal that gives you more time back with your family. This is a fantastic creamy chicken pasta recipe that proves nourishing food can be simple and delicious. My best tip for a smooth start? I always measure out all my sauce ingredients before I even turn on the stove—it makes the whole process feel calm and easy.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

This recipe shines with juicy, seasoned chicken and a trio of melty cheeses mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan—that create an incredibly rich sauce. This delicious Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken comes together using simple, comforting pantry staples. The full ingredient list and measurements are waiting for you in the recipe card below!

How to Make Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish comes together in three simple stages. First, you’ll cook your pasta and the seasoned chicken pieces until they’re perfectly tender. Next, you’ll whip up a simple, velvety cheese sauce right in the same skillet. It all comes together in about 40 minutes, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner. The final step is combining everything for a glorious finish. I have a similar one-pan wonder, my Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, that you might love too!

Sofia

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Tender bowtie pasta and juicy garlic parmesan chicken tossed in a creamy, three-cheese sauce. A quick and satisfying weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 820

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground

For the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

• 12 oz Bowtie pasta (Farfalle)
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Heavy cream
• 1 cup Chicken broth low sodium
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese freshly shredded is best
• 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded is best
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Large Skillet
• Colander
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

Cook Pasta and Chicken

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and toss to coat. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• In the same skillet (no need to wipe it out), reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
• Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a paste (a roux). Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
• Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once smooth, slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it begins to thicken.
• Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.

Combine and Serve

• Add the cooked bowtie pasta and the garlic parmesan chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Cheese Tip: For the smoothest sauce, use freshly shredded cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
• Variations: Feel free to add 1-2 cups of steamed broccoli florets or a few handfuls of fresh spinach (stir it in with the cheese until wilted) for extra veggies.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Pro Tips for Making This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Here are a few of my tried and true tips to make sure your Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken comes out perfectly creamy and delicious every single time. These little tricks elevate this simple dish into a truly memorable meal.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

The key to the perfect texture is to cook the bowtie pasta just until it’s al dente (still has a slight bite). It will continue to cook a little more once you add it to the warm cheese sauce, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.

Shred Your Own Cheese

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a bit grainy. For the smoothest, meltiest, most incredible cheese sauce, I always recommend buying blocks of mozzarella and cheddar and shredding them yourself. It only takes a minute and the difference is huge!

Season Every Layer

From salting the pasta water generously to seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, don’t be shy with your seasonings. Building layers of flavor at each step is what makes this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken so incredibly tasty from the first bite to the last.

My Secret Trick: To get the smoothest sauce, I always take the skillet off the heat before stirring in the shredded cheeses. This gentle, residual heat melts the cheese perfectly without letting it get oily or grainy. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in this creamy chicken pasta recipe.

Fun Variations for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

One of the things I love most about a good comfort food recipe is how easily you can adapt it. This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a fantastic canvas for your family’s favorite flavors and a great way to use up ingredients you have on hand.

Add Some Veggies

This is my favorite way to turn this into an all-in-one meal! Feel free to stir in about a cup of steamed broccoli florets, frozen peas (add them with the pasta), or a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end until it wilts. Sautéed mushrooms or red bell peppers would also be delicious. Adding veggies is a great way to make this family-friendly pasta dish even more of a complete one-pan meal.

Spice It Up

If your family enjoys a little kick, you can easily dial up the heat. Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce, or even some finely diced jalapeños sautéed with the garlic for a more pronounced warmth.

Change the Protein

This family-friendly pasta dish is incredibly versatile. You could easily swap the chicken for cooked, crumbled Italian sausage, sautéed shrimp, or even leftover shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. For a hearty vegetarian option, leave out the meat and add cannellini beans or double up on the veggies.

Make it a Pasta Bake

For a crispy, golden-brown top, turn this into a casserole! Transfer the finished pasta to a greased baking dish, top with a little extra mozzarella and maybe a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

What to Serve With Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

While this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a star all on its own, the right side dish can turn it into a full-on feast. Here are a few simple ideas that we love at my house for an easy weeknight dinner.

A Simple Green Salad

Something fresh and crisp is the perfect counterpart to the rich, creamy sauce. A simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette is all you need. The brightness cuts through the richness beautifully.

Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls

My family never lets me forget the garlic bread! It’s practically a requirement for any cheesy pasta night at our house. It’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce. It’s a must-have for any easy weeknight dinner.

Roasted Vegetables

A side of simple roasted vegetables adds color and extra nutrients to the meal. I love tossing broccoli florets or asparagus spears with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasting them until tender and slightly caramelized. They provide a wonderful flavor and texture contrast to the creamy pasta.

How to Store Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

One of the best things about a hearty pasta dish is that the leftovers are often just as good, if not better! Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it again.

In the Refrigerator

Allow the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, making it extra rich and comforting when you reheat it.

How to Reheat

For the best results, I recommend reheating this pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Can You Freeze This Dish?

While you technically can freeze it, I find that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate or become a bit grainy upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop as described above.

Nutritional Benefits

This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is true comfort food that also packs a nourishing punch. With plenty of protein from the chicken to keep you full and satisfied, it’s a wholesome dish that makes any family meal feel both hearty and complete.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowties are fun, this creamy chicken pasta recipe works wonderfully with penne, rotini, or shells—any pasta that has nooks and crannies to hold onto that rich, cheesy sauce. Just cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great recipe for prepping ahead! You can assemble the entire Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to a day before you plan to serve it. When you’re ready, reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms up. This is a great tip for when you know you have a busy day ahead but still want a homemade easy weeknight dinner.

Is this a spicy dish?

As written, it has just a tiny hint of warmth from the red pepper flakes, which you can easily adjust. If you or your family are sensitive to spice, you can omit them completely. If you love heat, feel free to add a bit more! It’s a very forgiving family-friendly pasta dish. For more flavor inspiration, check out my Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.

What kind of chicken is best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken because they cook quickly and stay wonderfully tender. However, you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is so much more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of warmth and connection that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s the kind of family-friendly pasta dish that proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special and delicious for the people you love. I hope this simple, hearty recipe makes your weeknights a little easier, a lot cozier, and of course, extra yummy.

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