Name: One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 pinch black pepper; 4 tbsp butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle), uncooked; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and loaded with cheesy comfort—this One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is the kind of dinner that gets everyone to the table fast. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken pieces nestled in a silky garlic cream sauce with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and melty mozzarella and Parmesan. Fun fact: bowtie pasta (farfalle) was originally inspired by fancy bows and has been wowing dinner plates since Italian cooks first shaped it—so your meal looks as good as it tastes.

This recipe is special because it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal with family. It’s quick to prep, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. If you like other creamy chicken pastas on the blog, you’ll also enjoy this dish—try comparing it with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a slightly different twist and flavor profile: https://recipesfiber.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/. Ready to start? Let’s get cooking!

What is One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta?

What’s in a name? This dish tells you exactly what you’re getting: one pan, creamy garlic goodness, tender chicken, and cheesy bowtie pasta. How did it get so honest? Maybe a distracted cook decided to make dinner with whatever was on hand and realized everything cooked beautifully together—so why not keep it all in one pan? Who says comfort food can’t be practical?

Isn’t it funny how a simple skillet can become the hero of weeknight dinners? And remember, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So whether you’re wooing a date or feeding your family, this one-pan wonder is an excellent bet. Give it a try and see if it doesn’t become your go-to comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This:

Creamy, comforting highlight: The silky garlic-cream sauce coated in melted mozzarella and Parmesan clings to each bowtie, delivering rich, savory bites that feel indulgent without being fussy.
Cost-saving and convenient: One-pan cooking means fewer dishes and less time over the stove—use budget-friendly chicken thighs and pantry staples to create a restaurant-level meal at home.
Flavor-packed finish: A blend of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder gives the chicken a lightly smoky, slightly spicy edge that balances beautifully with the creamy sauce and cheesy finish.

If you enjoy similar flavors, compare it to Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for another cheesy family favorite: https://recipesfiber.com/garlic-butter-chicken-balls-with-creamy-parmesan-pasta/. Try this at home tonight—you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This one-pan recipe is easy because you brown the seasoned chicken, make a simple roux, simmer pasta right in the sauce, and finish with cheeses for a creamy finish. Preparation is straightforward, textures contrast nicely (tender chicken, al dente pasta, creamy sauce), and the standout element is the lush garlic cream sauce. Approximate times: Prep 10 minutes, cook 25 minutes, total about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 pinch black pepper
4 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle), uncooked
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped green onions (garnish)

Directions

In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 pinch black pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook without overcrowding, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate; keep any fond (browned bits) in the skillet for flavor.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Sprinkle in the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a light roux. This helps thicken the sauce.
Slowly pour in the 3 cups chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream. Add the uncooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and press it down so it’s submerged in the liquid.
Bring the skillet back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine so the chicken heats through and is coated in the sauce.
Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped green onions before serving.

One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

What to Serve With:

Steamed or roasted green beans for a fresh, crunchy side.
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette for mopping up extra sauce.
Light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling lemonade for non-alcoholic pairing.
Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus for added nutrients and color.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use room-temperature chicken for more even cooking; cut pieces to uniform size so they cook evenly.
If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
For extra depth, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after cooking the chicken, before adding garlic.
Don’t overcook the pasta—check a minute or two before the suggested time and adjust.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
Avoid adding cheese to boiling sauce; turn off heat and stir cheese in gradually to prevent graininess.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well because cream sauces can separate; you can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat with fresh sauce.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess, or microwave in 30-second intervals stirring between until heated through.
Shelf life details: Best enjoyed fresh, but refrigerated leftovers remain tasty for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces. Watch cooking time closely to avoid drying out—breasts may cook a minute or two faster.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux and substitute gluten-free bowtie pasta. Ensure your Cajun seasoning and broth are gluten-free.

Is there a dairy-free version?
For dairy-free, use a plant-based butter, full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream substitute, and dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives. Texture will vary slightly.

Can I make this milder for kids?
Absolutely—reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. A simple salt-and-pepper seasoning will still taste great with the creamy garlic sauce.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and whisk into the simmering sauce until it thickens.

Conclusion

This One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta proves that comfort food can be quick, simple, and seriously delicious—perfect for weeknights or casual dinner guests. It’s a complete meal with rich garlic cream, tender chicken, and cheesy pasta all in one skillet. If you want a dairy-free twist or a vegan take on creamy garlic pasta, check out this helpful guide to a similar plant-based version: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta | Vegan Fettucine Alfredo (https://yupitsvegan.com/vegan-one-pot-creamy-garlic-pasta/). Give the recipe a try, share it with family, and enjoy the easy cleanup and big flavors.