Description
Craving a comforting, cheesy pasta that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests? This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the answer. Creamy cheese sauce hugs every twist of bowtie pasta, while golden, garlic-infused chicken adds juicy, savory flavor. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with everything you love about a cozy pasta dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a family-friendly recipe, or something to elevate your weeknight meals, this dish will check every box. Great for easy dinners, comfort food cravings, and last-minute dinner ideas.
Ingredients
16 oz bowtie pasta
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 cloves garlic minced
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Optional: sprinkle a bit of parmesan on top for extra flavor while searing.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Pour in heavy cream, then slowly stir in parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
6. Add cooked pasta into the sauce and stir gently to coat. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
7. Slice the rested chicken and layer it on top of the pasta.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan before serving.
Notes
Freshly grated cheese is essential for a smooth sauce — avoid pre-shredded if possible.
Don’t skip the pasta water — it helps emulsify the sauce and coat the noodles perfectly.
Always let your chicken rest before slicing to lock in juices and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: <0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, comfort food, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe