Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is one of those slow cooker dinners that practically makes itself. Rich garlic butter sauce, juicy chicken, and tender pasta come together in one satisfying meal that the whole family will ask for on repeat.
I remember throwing this together on a Wednesday night when I had no energy left for anything complicated. The slow cooker did all the work while I helped with homework, and when I finally lifted that lid, the smell alone made it worth it. That first bowl was gone in minutes, and that is when it earned its permanent spot in my weekly rotation.
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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
After making this dish more times than I can count, I have learned which ingredients truly make a difference. Using fresh garlic cloves and real butter is what gives this garlic butter chicken with bowtie pasta its deep, satisfying flavor.
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced I always use fresh garlic here, it makes the sauce noticeably more fragrant than the jarred kind
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted my preference is unsalted so you control the salt level yourself
- 1 lb bowtie pasta, cooked al dente in my experience, slightly firmer pasta holds up much better when mixed into the warm sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth I recommend low-sodium broth to keep the dish balanced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish pro tip: add it right before serving for the brightest color and freshest flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend reading through all the steps before starting so the pasta timing lines up perfectly with the chicken.
Step 1: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, but pull it off the heat before it starts to brown.
Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken, garlic butter mixture, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. Stir well so every piece of chicken gets coated.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to break apart with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
Step 5: About 20 minutes before the chicken finishes cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 6: Once the chicken is ready, add the drained pasta directly into the slow cooker. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the garlic butter sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 7: Serve immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
The best sides for garlic butter chicken and bowtie pasta are ones that balance the richness of the dish while adding freshness or crunch to the plate.
Garlic Bread: A warm crusty slice is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that buttery sauce left in the bowl.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts right through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast that works really well here.
Steamed Broccoli: Classic for a reason. Broccoli florets add color, fiber, and nutrition without competing with the garlic butter flavor. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli shows just how well broccoli and buttery pasta pair together.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly roasted asparagus adds a slightly earthy note that complements the garlic butter sauce without overpowering it.
Creamy Potato Soup: On colder nights, a bowl of this Easy Creamy Potato Soup served alongside makes for a deeply comforting meal.
Mac and Cheese: If you are feeding kids or want something extra indulgent, this Simple Mac and Cheese Recipe makes a fun and crowd-pleasing side.
Caesar Salad: For a more filling spread, a classic Caesar works great alongside this pasta for a restaurant-style dinner at home.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bowtie pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so portions may look a little drier the next day, which is completely normal.
To reheat, add a small splash of chicken broth or water to the container before warming it in a skillet over medium-low heat. This brings the sauce back and keeps the pasta from drying out. I recommend avoiding the microwave when possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Pro tip: this garlic butter chicken with bowtie pasta also works well for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers right after cooking for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier after slow cooking. Use the same amount and follow the same timing.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
You can. Cook the seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side until cooked through, then toss with the garlic butter sauce and cooked pasta.
Why is my sauce too thin after cooking?
Slow cookers trap moisture, so the sauce may be slightly thinner than expected. Simply remove the lid and let it cook uncovered on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to reduce, or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken it quickly.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta delivers real, satisfying flavor without requiring much time or effort in the kitchen. The slow cooker handles the hard part, and you get a meal worth sitting down for. Give it a try this week and see why it keeps showing up on the dinner table.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Add the seasoned chicken, garlic butter mixture, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- About 20 minutes before the chicken finishes cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the slow cooker. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the garlic butter sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Serve immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley.
