bowtie chicken pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best bowtie chicken pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite bowtie chicken pasta recipe that’s been a staple in our household for years. This dish is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

The combination of tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is a match made in heaven. I’ve served this dish to my family countless times, and it never fails to put smiles on their faces. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they always get excited when they see the bowties (which are actually just penne pasta) on the menu.

My husband raves about the flavors and textures in this dish, and I’m always happy to oblige his requests for seconds (and thirds, and fourths…) This recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a memory maker. We’ve had so many wonderful moments around the dinner table with this dish at the center of it all.

It’s comfort food at its finest. I love how versatile this recipe is – you can easily customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For example, I like to add some steamed vegetables on the side to make it feel more like a balanced meal.

My husband prefers his meat cooked through, while I like mine still slightly pink in the middle. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and not overcooking the pasta or chicken – trust me when I say it makes all the difference! So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

Bowtie Chicken Pasta

4.6 from 1130 votes

This creamy bowtie chicken pasta combines tender chicken and al dente farfalle in a rich Parmesan sauce. It is a comforting one-pot meal that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cream Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer; cook without stirring for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
5Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
6Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter.
7Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
8Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
9Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
10Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
11Stir in the red pepper flakes if using, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
12Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
13Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat until heated through, then remove from heat.
14Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use low-sodium chicken broth. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Watch Video Of How Bowtie Chicken Pasta Works

One of my favorite things about this bowtie chicken pasta recipe is how well it stores and reheats. If you’re planning ahead for a future meal, simply refrigerate or freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately until you’re ready to serve.

Reheating is a breeze – just warm everything up in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and bubbly. Serve with some crusty bread on the side for an extra-special treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bowtie Chicken Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

This recipe calls for bowtie (also known as farfalle) pasta, but you can easily substitute it with other shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer.

Q: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Leftover chicken works beautifully in this recipe – just make sure it’s stored safely in the fridge or freezer before using.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Don’t worry if your sauce seems too thick at first – just stir in some additional chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Nope! This recipe features chicken as the main protein source, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians.

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