Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Herb Chicken is the kind of comfort food that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Tender, herb-seasoned chicken is served over perfectly cooked farfalle coated in a rich, velvety Parmesan garlic sauce. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner recipes, quick weeknight meals, or family dinner ideas, this satisfying pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 40 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 40 minutes.
- Rich, creamy restaurant-quality flavor at home.
- Made with simple ingredients from any grocery store.
- Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or entertaining guests.
- Family-approved and beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz (340 g) bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Cooking for the whole family tonight? Grab Robert’s Sweet in 30 — 40 quick desserts to complete any meal. No ads, no scrolling. Just recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
4. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Pasta
Add the cooked farfalle to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. This creamy pasta is perfect for holiday entertaining, family gatherings, and a budget-friendly weeknight dinner.
6. Assemble and Serve
Divide the creamy pasta among serving plates and top with the sliced Italian herb chicken. Finish with chopped parsley, freshly cracked black pepper, and extra Parmesan cheese. This dish is also great for meal prep since the leftovers reheat beautifully.
Tired of searching for recipes through a wall of ads?
You came here to cook — not to close pop-ups.
Sweet in 30 puts 40 of Robert’s best dessert recipes in one clean PDF on your phone. No ads. No scrolling. No autoplay videos. Just the recipe, the ingredients, and a Chef’s Note on every single page.
Easy dessert recipes for weeknight family dinners. Impressive holiday baking in 30 minutes or less. Quick treats your guests will ask you to make again and again.
One download. Yours forever. No ads. Ever.
Get all 40 recipes for $9.99 →
Pro Tips & Variations
For the richest sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese, which doesn’t melt as smoothly. Be careful not to boil the cream after adding the cheese, as high heat can cause the sauce to separate. Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
For healthy substitutions, replace half of the heavy cream with whole milk or evaporated milk, or use grilled chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Looking for budget-friendly tips? Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe. You can also add broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas to stretch the meal while adding extra nutrition.
This recipe is excellent for cooking for beginners because it uses simple techniques and forgiving ingredients. For meal prep ideas, cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture. It’s also one of the best quick dinner ideas for busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then cook fresh pasta before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Whole milk mixed with a little cream cheese or half-and-half can be used, although the sauce will be slightly lighter.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and makes an excellent lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Can beginners make this recipe?
Yes. This recipe uses straightforward cooking methods and is ideal for cooks of all skill levels.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 760 |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 45 g |
| Saturated Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 690 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta with warm garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or oven-roasted vegetables. It’s an excellent choice for holiday dinners, family gatherings, date night dinners, or whenever you want a comforting restaurant-style meal at home.
Conclusion
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory Italian herb flavor, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Herb Chicken is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. Looking for the perfect dessert to go with this? Sweet in 30 has you covered →