Name: Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic: Unforgettable Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Cheesy bowtie pasta garlic has been my go-to for those nights when I need something quick, comforting, and utterly delicious. I remember the first time I whipped this up for a friend who was visiting unexpectedly; the aroma of garlic and melting cheese filled my kitchen, and the look on her face when she took her first bite was pure bliss. This easy cheesy bowtie pasta garlic recipe is the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, turning simple ingredients into pure magic. It truly is the best cheesy bowtie pasta garlic I’ve ever made. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic

This garlic cheesy bowtie pasta recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, delivering incredible flavor without a fuss.

Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal: It’s ready in just 30 minutes, from start to finish!
Irresistibly Creamy & Flavorful: The rich garlic parmesan sauce coats every bite, and the tender chicken is perfection.
Family-Approved Dinner: Even picky eaters will devour this crowd-pleasing dish.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt it with different veggies or proteins.
Minimal Cleanup: Most of the magic happens in just one skillet.
Utterly Satisfying: It hits all the right notes for comfort food.
Simple Cheesy Pasta Bowties Garlic: You’ll love how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality taste at home.

Ingredients for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic

Gather these simple ingredients for the most delicious garlic cheesy bowtie pasta skillet you’ve ever made. I love how accessible everything is!

Pasta and Protein

8 oz bowtie pasta – the perfect shape to hold all that yummy sauce
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total) – cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking

The Flavor Base

2 tbsp butter – for richness and to start our sauce
1 tbsp olive oil – helps prevent the butter from burning and adds flavor
3 cloves garlic, minced – the star of our cheesy garlic bowtie noodles! Make sure it’s finely minced so the flavor distributes well.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – a blend that brings classic Italian-American notes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1 cup heavy cream – this is key for that luscious, creamy texture
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – adds a sharp, salty kick
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that irresistible gooey, cheesy pull

Seasoning and Garnish

Salt and pepper to taste – essential for bringing out all the flavors
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – adds a pop of color and freshness

How to Make Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic

This garlic cheesy bowtie pasta skillet recipe comes together so quickly, it feels like magic! You’ll be amazed at how a few simple steps can create such a rich and satisfying meal.

Cook the Pasta and Chicken

Step 1: Start by cooking your bowtie pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water. Follow the package directions to get it perfectly al dente, usually around 9 minutes. Don’t forget to drain it and set it aside, maybe saving a little pasta water just in case.
Step 2: While the pasta is doing its thing, grab a large skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Now, season your chicken breasts well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You want them to have a nice crust!
Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. This resting step is crucial for juicy chicken!

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic: Unforgettable Flavor - Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic - additional detail

Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 4: Lower the heat in the same skillet to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté it for just about 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant and delicious, but absolutely avoid burning it, or it will turn bitter.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. This is the base of our incredible sauce.
Step 6: Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until it’s completely smooth and melted. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until it’s all incorporated and the sauce is wonderfully creamy and smooth. This is where the magic of cheesy garlic bowtie noodles really happens!

Combine and Serve

Step 7: Now, add your drained bowtie pasta and the sliced chicken back into the skillet with that glorious sauce. Gently toss everything together until every piece of pasta and chicken is beautifully coated.
Step 8: Give it a quick taste. Does it need a little more salt or pepper? Adjust it to your liking. This is your chance to perfect the flavor!
Step 9: Serve your amazing cheesy bowtie pasta garlic immediately. If you have fresh parsley, a sprinkle over the top adds a lovely touch of color and freshness. Enjoy this simple cheesy pasta bowties garlic!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic

I’ve made this garlic cheesy bowtie pasta recipe so many times, and a few tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tips for the perfect bowl every time!

Always reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. It’s your secret weapon for thinning the sauce if it gets too thick.
Don’t skip resting the chicken! It makes a huge difference in keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Sautéing the garlic over low heat is crucial. Burnt garlic is bitter, and nobody wants that in their creamy pasta!

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic?

The real secret to outstanding creamy garlic bowtie pasta cheese is using reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency and allowing the chicken to rest after cooking for maximum juiciness.

Can I make Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic ahead of time?

You can prep most of the components ahead! Cook the pasta and chicken, and make the sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and combine just before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic?

A common pitfall is overcooking the pasta or garlic. Cook pasta just until al dente, and sauté garlic gently until fragrant, not browned. Also, avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added; simmer gently to keep it smooth.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic

This incredible cheesy garlic bowtie pasta for dinner is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with a few simple additions to round out the meal. It makes for such a satisfying and complete dish.

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the pasta. It adds a refreshing element that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus makes a wonderful side dish. The slight bitterness of the vegetables complements the cheesy garlic goodness.
Crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition! It’s perfect for soaking up any extra bits of that delicious creamy garlic bowtie pasta cheese sauce.

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic

This garlic cheesy bowtie pasta recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, based on the recipe yielding 4 plates:

Calories: 520
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used for your creamy garlic bowtie pasta cheese.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic

Leftovers of this amazing garlic cheesy bowtie pasta skillet are a treat, and storing them properly ensures they taste almost as good as the first time. Once your delicious cheesy garlic bowtie noodles have cooled down to room temperature, transfer them into airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an option! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or place them in freezer-safe bags. Your cheesy bowtie pasta garlic can stay frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating is simple. For refrigerated leftovers, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. For frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the same skillet method. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the pasta gummy, but if you must, use short intervals and stir frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic

Can I use different pasta shapes for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic?

Absolutely! While bowties are fantastic for holding sauce, other shapes like rotini, penne, or even shells work wonderfully for this garlic cheesy bowtie pasta recipe. Just cook them according to package directions until al dente.

What can I add to Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic to make it healthier?

To boost the nutritional value of your cheesy garlic bowtie noodles, try adding steamed broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish. You can also substitute half of the heavy cream with milk for a lighter sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner for my Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic?

If your sauce is too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens up.

Can I make this a Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic chicken recipe without chicken?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this creamy garlic bowtie pasta cheese dish. Simply omit the chicken and perhaps add some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor. It will still be incredibly delicious!

Variations of Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Garlic You Can Try

This garlic cheesy bowtie pasta recipe is so versatile, and I love experimenting with different twists! Whether you’re looking for a dietary swap, a different cooking method, or just a new flavor profile, there’s a variation for you. It’s amazing how you can adapt this crowd-pleaser.

Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a hearty meat-free option. This makes for a fantastic creamy garlic bowtie pasta cheese dish that everyone can enjoy.
Spicy Kick: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in step 4 of the instructions. It gives the cheesy garlic bowtie noodles a wonderful warmth.
Lighter Version: For a less decadent take on bow tie pasta with garlic and cheese, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half. You might need a touch more cornstarch to thicken, but it’s still wonderfully creamy.
Baked Comfort: Turn your skillet dish into a cheesy garlic bowtie pasta bake! Transfer the combined pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella and parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.