Description
Fuel your muscles with this protein-packed Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta. Featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente farfalle, and a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce, this meal is designed for fitness enthusiasts needing high-quality recovery food. It strikes a perfect balance between complex carbohydrates and lean protein, all achievable in under 25 minutes of active cooking. Perfectly indulgent yet nutrient-dense, this recipe ensures you never have to sacrifice flavor to meet your daily macro-nutrient goals.
Ingredients
1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente; drain while reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Pat chicken dry and toss in a bowl with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown, then remove from the skillet.
Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the cream cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
Top with remaining mozzarella and optional red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Ensure chicken breasts are cut to a uniform size to guarantee even cooking. Use low-sodium chicken broth if you need to control the salt intake. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: High Protein Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American