If there’s one dish I could eat on repeat and never get bored, it’s this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken. The rich, velvety cheese sauce clings to every twist and fold of the bowtie pasta, creating a luscious bite each time. Paired with juicy, golden-seared chicken coated in garlic and parmesan goodness, this meal is both indulgent and incredibly satisfying. I make this recipe when I want something comforting but still impressive enough to serve to guests — and let me tell you, it never disappoints.

What I love most about this dish is how it balances creamy, cheesy decadence with the punchy flavors of herbs and garlic. The bowtie pasta (farfalle) catches the sauce perfectly, while the chicken brings texture, protein, and savory depth. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or need a go-to crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers with flavor, simplicity, and elegance.

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

This is the kind of meal that wins hearts instantly. The creamy cheese sauce is both bold and smooth, coating the pasta like a silky blanket. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with hints of garlic and melted parmesan in every bite. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent but is shockingly simple to put together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners. Plus, it’s family-friendly, affordable, and made with pantry staples — what’s not to love?

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

I always go with bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) for this recipe because its shape does an excellent job of holding onto the creamy cheese sauce. The ridges and folds trap flavor in every bite. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can swap it out with other short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells — they all work well in a rich, cheesy dish like this. Long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti won’t quite deliver the same satisfaction here since they don’t cling to the sauce in the same way.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is easy to customize depending on what you have or your dietary needs:

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: I like using boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great too if you prefer leaner meat.
Dairy-Free Cheese: If you’re dairy-sensitive, swap the cheese and cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives — the result is still creamy and delicious.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use a gluten-free bowtie pasta to make this dish gluten-friendly. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a touch of heat to balance the richness of the cheese.

This dish is flexible without losing its soul — creamy pasta and golden garlic chicken will always be a winning combo.

Ingredients for This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
This pasta’s unique shape is ideal for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce and gives the dish a fun, hearty texture.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
I prefer thighs for their tenderness and flavor. They sear beautifully and stay juicy, making them the perfect match for a garlic parmesan crust.
Garlic (Minced)
Fresh garlic is essential here. It adds a punch of aroma and deep flavor that balances the richness of the cheese sauce and enhances the chicken.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated)
It brings salty, nutty depth to both the chicken and the sauce. Freshly grated is best for melting and flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
This adds the gooey, stretchy element to the cheese sauce, making it irresistibly creamy.
Heavy Cream
The base of the cheese sauce — it makes everything smooth, luscious, and indulgent.
Butter
Used for cooking the garlic and adding richness to the cheese sauce.
Olive Oil
Helps get that beautiful golden sear on the chicken and adds flavor to the base of the sauce.
Salt and Pepper
Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta.
Italian Seasoning
Adds a subtle herby note that ties all the flavors together.
Chopped Fresh Parsley
Sprinkled on top for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also sprinkle a bit of grated parmesan directly onto the raw chicken to build that cheesy crust during searing.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board. Slice into bite-sized pieces once slightly cooled.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cheese Sauce

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the heavy cream, then slowly whisk in the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the sauce and gently stir to coat every piece. Let it simmer for a minute so the pasta absorbs some of that cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Plate the cheesy pasta and top with the sliced garlic parmesan chicken. Finish with an extra sprinkle of parsley and parmesan cheese for that restaurant-quality finish.

How Long to Cook the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This entire dish comes together in about 35–40 minutes:

Pasta cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Chicken searing time: 10–12 minutes
Sauce prep and combining: 10–15 minutes

If you multitask — cooking the pasta while the chicken sears — you can easily bring this together on a busy weeknight without stress.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fresh parmesan and mozzarella melt better and taste richer.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is the goal — the pasta will continue to soften slightly once it’s mixed into the hot cheese sauce.
Let the chicken rest: After searing, give it a few minutes to rest before slicing. This keeps the juices sealed inside and ensures a tender bite.
Reserve pasta water: A splash of starchy water can loosen up your sauce if it thickens too much and helps it cling to the pasta better.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Before serving, give everything a taste. Sometimes a touch more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or extra parmesan makes all the difference.
Don’t rush the garlic: Let it cook gently in butter until golden and aromatic. Burnt garlic will throw off the flavor of the whole sauce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Burning the Garlic
Garlic cooks fast — especially in butter. If it burns, it turns bitter and can overpower the whole dish. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly during this step.
Using Cold Chicken
Always bring the chicken to room temperature before searing. Cold meat straight from the fridge cooks unevenly and can become tough.
Overcrowding the Pan
When searing the chicken, make sure there’s space around each piece. Crowding leads to steaming instead of searing, which means less flavor and no crispy crust.
Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce
Cheese melts best when added gradually to a hot, but not boiling, cream base. High heat can cause the sauce to break or become grainy.
Skipping the Taste Test
Every ingredient adds flavor, but your taste buds are the best judge. Always taste the finished sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Forgetting the Pasta Water
That starchy water is like liquid gold. It helps emulsify the sauce and bring everything together. Don’t forget to save a bit before draining your pasta!

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

Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

Crispy and buttery, perfect for scooping up any leftover cheese sauce on the plate.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts

These roasted veggies add earthiness and balance. A drizzle of lemon on top makes them sing.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil offer a bright and fresh pairing. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Creamy Tomato Soup

Yes, soup! A small bowl on the side adds a cozy, warming touch — especially for colder nights.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Another veggie option that echoes the cheesy flavor without being heavy.

Marinated Olives or Antipasto Platter

For a more Mediterranean spin, start with a small dish of olives, cured meats, and pickled veggies.

Lemon Asparagus

Lightly sautéed asparagus with lemon zest adds a fresh pop and slight bitterness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Storage Instructions

If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), this dish stores really well. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: While you can freeze it, the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and eat within 1 month for best results.
Reheating Tip: Always reheat over low heat and stir frequently. Add a little extra parmesan at the end to bring back that rich, cheesy flavor.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

These are approximate values, based on a serving size of about 1 ½ cups:

Calories: 630
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 580mg
Sugar: 3g
Trans Fat: <0.5g

This is a hearty, filling meal that leans rich — perfect for when you want comfort food that still delivers solid protein and satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, absolutely. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster, but they work well. Just be careful not to overcook them so they don’t dry out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can! Make the pasta and chicken in advance, store separately, and reheat gently with a splash of cream to revive the sauce before serving.

What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have mozzarella?

Cheddar, provolone, or fontina all work well. Just choose a cheese that melts easily and has a mild flavor so it doesn’t overpower the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Definitely. Roasted broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or even peas make great additions and boost the nutritional value of the dish.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?

Melt the cheese over low heat and never let the cream boil. High heat can cause separation and a gritty texture.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. If using milk, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or flour to help thicken it.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! The creamy, cheesy flavors and fun bowtie pasta shape make it a hit with kids. You can also leave out garlic if your little ones prefer milder flavors.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes — stir in crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like a treat but comes together effortlessly. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor — a meal that brings comfort without compromise. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply craving a satisfying dinner, this dish checks every box. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your weeknight rotation — it sure has in mine.