Description
If you’re craving something cozy, rich, and family-approved, Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is your next go-to dinner. This creamy pasta dish blends tender bowtie noodles with a velvety parmesan and mozzarella sauce, then tops it off with juicy, golden-seared garlic parmesan chicken. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner idea, comforting food ideas, or a reliable easy recipe, this dish delivers bold flavor and indulgent texture every time. Perfect for weeknight meals, casual hosting, or when you just want something really satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
12 oz bowtie pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and rub with olive oil. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and warm for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Stir in parsley.
7. Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with extra parsley and parmesan if desired.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese to achieve the creamiest sauce without clumps.
Don’t skip resting the chicken—this keeps it juicy when sliced.
Save your pasta water—it’s perfect for loosening up thick sauces naturally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, garlic chicken, easy dinner, pasta recipe, comfort food, bowtie pasta