Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those meals that just feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table, with tender, savory chicken and pasta all coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that clings to every single bowtie. It’s pure comfort food, plain and simple.

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I have so many memories of my mom making big, hearty pasta dishes, especially as the weather started to cool down. The smell of garlic and cheese would fill the whole house, and I knew we were in for a treat. This recipe carries on that tradition, but with a simple approach that’s perfect for our busy lives today. It’s my go-to when I want to serve something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love most is how this dish delivers huge flavor with minimal stress. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. My best tip is to get all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start—it makes the whole process feel smooth and effortless.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

The magic of this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Juicy chicken breasts, a trio of delicious cheeses, and classic seasonings create a truly unforgettable dish. The full ingredient list is in the recipe card below!

How to Make Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Making this dish is wonderfully straightforward! You’ll start by seasoning and cooking the chicken until it’s perfectly golden. While the pasta boils, you’ll whip up a simple, creamy three-cheese sauce right in the same skillet. Finally, you’ll toss everything together for a perfect one-pan Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken that’s ready to serve and enjoy.

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender garlic parmesan chicken, all tossed in a decadent three-cheese sauce. It's the ultimate comfort food, ready in under 45 minutes!

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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: 720

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2-inch even thickness
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Cheesy Pasta

• 12 oz bowtie (Farfalle) pasta
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk room temperature preferred
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese freshly grated
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Cheese Grater

Method

 

Prepare and Cook the Chicken

• Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking.
• In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of butter. Once melted, place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into strips. Do not wipe the skillet clean.

Cook Pasta and Make Sauce

• While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Reduce the heat of the skillet (used for the chicken) to medium. Add 3 tbsp of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux. This will thicken the sauce.
• Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Whisk in the chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

• Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve the cheesy pasta immediately, topped with the sliced garlic parmesan chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Cheese Tip: For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, use freshly grated cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
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 as it heats.

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

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really take this pasta dish from good to great. These are my tried-and-true tips for getting the perfect result every time.

• Shred Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest, meltiest cheese sauce, I always recommend buying blocks of cheddar and mozzarella and shredding them yourself. It makes a huge difference!
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta just until it’s al dente (still has a slight bite). It will continue to cook a little more when you toss it with the hot cheese sauce, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Temper the Milk: To prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy, use milk that’s at room temperature or slightly warmed. Adding cold milk to the hot roux (the butter and flour mixture) can cause it to seize up.
• My Secret Trick: I always add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to my cheese sauces. You won’t taste it directly, but it enhances the savory, nutty flavors of the cheese and adds a wonderful depth that makes people wonder what your secret is! It’s a small step that elevates this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Fun Variations for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own! Here are a few fun and easy ways to put your own spin on this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

• Add Some Veggies: This dish is a great canvas for adding vegetables. Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end until it wilts, or add steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: If your family likes a little heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic. It adds a lovely warmth that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Change the Protein: While the garlic parmesan chicken is classic, this cheese sauce is amazing with other proteins, too. Try it with sliced Italian sausage, leftover shredded rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp! If you love shrimp pasta, my Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is another family favorite.
• Swap the Pasta: No bowties? No problem! This recipe works beautifully with other medium-sized pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Choose a shape with plenty of nooks and crannies to catch all that glorious cheese sauce.

What to Serve With Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Because this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken is so rich and satisfying, I like to keep the side dishes simple and fresh.

• A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into that extra cheese sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a nice bit of color and texture to the meal. My practical tip is to roast them on a sheet pan while you’re making the pasta for easy cleanup.

How to Store Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Leftovers of this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken are fantastic, and storing them properly keeps the dish tasting great.

• To Store: Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To Reheat: The best way to reheat this pasta is in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture, stirring gently until it’s warmed through.

Nutritional Benefits

This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken offers a wonderful balance of protein from the chicken and satisfying carbs from the pasta. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that will keep your family feeling full and happy.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love the combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, you could also use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda. The key is to use good melting cheeses for a smooth, creamy sauce for your Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This pasta is definitely best enjoyed fresh when the sauce is at its creamiest. However, you can save time by cooking the chicken and shredding the cheese a day in advance. Then, all you have to do is cook the pasta and make the sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious! They are naturally juicier and have more flavor. Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which may take a few minutes longer than breasts.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish. Cream-based sauces have a tendency to separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated, so the texture won’t be as good as when it’s made fresh.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like gathering the family for a meal that’s both incredibly delicious and easy to prepare. This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Chicken has become a staple in my kitchen for that very reason. It’s a reminder that wonderful food doesn’t have to be complicated. For another creamy pasta dish your family might love, check out my Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy every cheesy bite!

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