chicken bow tie pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken bow tie pasta recipe

I’ve always been a fan of classic Italian dishes, and chicken bow tie pasta is one of my family’s favorites. It’s a staple in our household, and we make it at least once a week. The dish originated in Italy, where it’s known as ‘fettuccine alla marsala’ or ‘fettuccine con pollo.’

It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the tender texture of bow tie pasta with the rich flavor of chicken and mushrooms. My kids love helping me cook this recipe, as it involves sautéing the chicken and vegetables in butter, which always smells amazing in the kitchen. The key to making this dish is to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mushrooms and real butter.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile – it can be made for a quick weeknight dinner or for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings. My husband loves that it’s an easy recipe to customize to our family’s tastes, as we can add or substitute ingredients to suit our preferences. We often serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

I’ve tried various versions of this recipe over the years, but this one remains our go-to favorite. It’s easy to make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later use, making it perfect for busy families like mine. The health benefits of this recipe are numerous – it’s high in protein from the chicken and low in calories compared to other pasta dishes.

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will remain so for many more years to come.

Creamy Chicken Bow Tie Pasta

Creamy Chicken Bow Tie Pasta

4.5 from 1817 votes

A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and farfalle (bow tie) pasta in a rich, savory sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is sure to please the whole family.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

8 oz farfalle (bow tie) pasta
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 Creamy 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 dried thyme
1/4 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
4While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
5Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
6Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
8Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
9Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
10Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
11Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and dried oregano until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
12Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
13Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
14Toss everything together gently with a wooden spoon until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated and heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes.
15Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use low-sodium chicken broth. You can also add vegetables like steamed broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Chicken Bow Tie Pasta Works

This chicken bow tie pasta recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish for family gatherings. It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes.

The leftovers refrigerate well for up to three days or can be frozen for up to two months. To reheat, simply toss with some additional sauce and cook until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Bow Tie Pasta

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

This recipe calls for bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle. You can use any type of pasta you like, but bow tie is traditional and adds to the dish’s charm.

Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making my own?

While store-bought marinara sauce can be convenient, I highly recommend making your own sauce from scratch using fresh tomatoes and herbs. It makes all the difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also add a bit more butter or oil to the pan while cooking the chicken to keep it moist.

Q: Can I add other vegetables besides mushrooms?

Yes! Feel free to add any other vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on their texture.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains chicken and should not be served to vegetarians. However, you can easily modify it by substituting the chicken with additional vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.

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