January 8, 2024
Review RecipeBowtie Pasta
Filled with flavor and easy to make, this bowtie pasta dish is loaded with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes and smothered in a cream sauce.
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Delicious pasta dishes are one of life’s greatest pleasures, and this irresistible bowtie pasta is certain to become a favorite. From the texture of perfectly cooked noodles to the rich and flavorful cream sauce and tender chicken, this recipe will be a winner.
Bowtie Pasta Ingredients
Creamy chicken bowtie pasta is an indulgent dish loaded with flavor thanks to the sauce, which is a combination of garlic, chicken broth, cream, parmesan cheese, and plenty of seasoning.
The pasta absorbs the flavors of the ingredients, while the chicken adds the ideal protein to complete this dish.
Finally, the sun-dried tomatoes bring a touch of tanginess and a pop of color.
To make this dish, you’ll need:
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter
- 1-1½ pounds (2 large pieces) of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup of diced yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons of diced sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of half & half
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil (plus additional for optional garnish)
- ½ pound (approximately 3 cups) of bowtie pasta
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of grated parmesan cheese (plus additional for optional garnish)
Substitutions And Additions
PASTA: Any short bite-sized pasta will work for this great recipe. You will need to make sure it measures a half pound. Eight ounces equals approximately three cups.
SUN-DRIED TOMATOES: The tomatoes add plenty of flavor to this recipe. I will often substitute sun-dried tomatoes packed in herb-seasoned olive oil.
BASIL: If fresh basil is not available or in season, you can certainly substitute it with fresh parsley or even one-and-a-half teaspoons of dried basil.
DAIRY: This is not a recipe that you want to use low-fat or non-fat dairy.
You can substitute the half & half for whole milk, but I highly suggest using the heavy cream when called for in the recipe.
It really helps thicken the broth and parmesan cream sauce of this dish.
CHEESE: The grated parmesan cheese can be substituted for a grated pecorino Romano or any hard Italian cheese.
A combination cheese blend would work well too. You just want to make sure your cheese is grated for the best results.
How To Make This Bowtie Pasta Recipe
To make this pasta, you’ll start by cooking the chicken before adding the onion, tomatoes, and garlic.
Next, add the broth, half and half, and pasta and allow it to simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Stir in the tangy parmesan cheese and heavy cream, and serve.
STEP ONE: In a large, heavy-duty skillet, on medium-high heat, add the unsalted butter.
Once the butter has melted, add the diced chicken breast pieces in an even layer.
Allow the chicken to brown lightly on all sides until the chicken pieces are cooked through. This will take six to eight minutes.
STEP TWO: Once the chicken is cooked through, add the diced yellow onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the vegetables for two minutes or until softened.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Keep an eye on the ingredients and stir very frequently. You especially don’t want the garlic to burn, or your sauce will have a bitter taste.
STEP THREE: Add the chicken broth, half & half, chopped fresh basil, and bowtie pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine.
STEP FOUR: Bring the liquids to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
Allow the pasta to simmer for 20 minutes. At the ten-minute mark, stir the pasta, replace the lid, and finish cooking for the remaining ten minutes.
PRO TIP:
Remember, you are adding the pasta uncooked to the sauce. It will cook as it simmers away with the rest of the ingredients.
STEP FIVE: Once the pasta has cooked through, turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
STEP SIX: Allow the pasta and sauce to cool for five minutes. This will give the sauce time to thicken slightly before serving.
You can garnish the bowtie pasta with a sprinkle of additional grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil if desired before serving.
PRO TIP:
This bowtie pasta is best served immediately. As this dish sits, the sauce will continue to thicken, and the pasta will continue to absorb the liquids.
How To Serve
ADD EXTRA CHEESE: Serve your bowtie pasta in generous portions on individual plates. Top it off with extra parmesan and a garnish of fresh basil leaves.
SERVE FAMILY STYLE: If you’re serving a crowd or just want a family dinner, present the bowtie pasta in a large serving dish at the center of the table.
SERVE WITH BREAD: If you’re looking to maximize the savoriness of this garlic parmesan chicken pasta, add a side of buttery, crusty garlic bread to your meal.
ADD A SALAD: A homemade Caesar salad would also complement the pasta and offer you the ideal way to round out this easy dinner recipe.
SERVE WITH SHRIMP: Pair your bowtie pasta with shrimp for a surf and turf theme.
TURN IT INTO BREAKFAST: Transform your leftover bowtie pasta into brunch by sautéing it with some scrambled eggs and a handful of fresh spinach.
Our creamy mushroom pasta and bacon pasta are two more simple recipes to add to your menu.
When To Serve
WEEKNIGHT DINNER: Its quick cooking time makes it a perfect choice when you want a satisfying meal on the table in about 30 minutes.
FAMILY GATHERINGS: If you’re hosting a get-together or a cozy Sunday dinner, this pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser.
DATE NIGHT: Planning a romantic dinner for two? Look no further. This bowtie pasta sets the perfect mood for a date night.
POTLUCKS: Need to bring a dish to a potluck or gathering? This pasta is a fantastic choice. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be made in large quantities to feed a group.
LUNCHBOX: Make a batch over the weekend and portion it into containers for a week’s worth of tasty lunches.
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Storage
If you’re wondering how to store this dish, we’ve got you covered.
MAKE AHEAD: If you want to get a head start on your meal prep, make the bowtie pasta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Just be sure to let it cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you want dinner ready in a flash.
IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover bowtie pasta with sun-dried tomatoes can be refrigerated, in an airtight container, for up to two days for best results.
IN THE FREEZER: I do not suggest freezing this dish as the cream tends to separate once thawed, and the texture is not as pleasant as when made fresh.
REHEATING: Let’s talk about how to reheat your bowtie pasta to bring back that fresh pasta goodness.
- STOVETOP: Reheating on the stovetop is a great way to maintain the pasta’s texture. Place it in a pan over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to prevent it from drying out, and stir frequently until it’s heated through.
- MICROWAVE: If you’re short on time, the microwave is a quick option. Place your pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat it in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until it’s hot.
Why We Love This Recipe
VERSATILITY: You can customize it by adding a different protein, such as shrimp, or even go vegetarian with roasted vegetables.
QUICK AND EASY: With straightforward step-by-step instructions, this recipe is a breeze to follow.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: The combination of the sauce and bowtie pasta is a hit with both kids and adults.
COMFORT FOOD: There’s something inherently comforting about a pasta dish, and this one delivers.
Any pasta lover is sure to love the sauce, hearty chicken, and flavors of this bowtie pasta. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve to family and friends, this is a meal that will not disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
To test your pasta for al dente, take a bite of the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions indicate it should be done.
When you bite into it, and your teeth feel some resistance, but the pasta is still tender, your pasta is al dente.
Can I freeze this recipe?
We don’t recommend freezing this recipe. It may lose its texture during freezing and not be as creamy once thawed.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
This chicken pasta recipe will work well with any type of pasta that you enjoy. Short pasta shapes will work best.
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Bowtie Pasta
Filled with flavor and easy to make, this bowtie pasta dish is loaded with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes and smothered in a cream sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 to 1½ pounds boneless-skinless chicken breast, 2 large pieces cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half & half
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil, plus additional for optional garnish
- ½ pound bowtie pasta, approximately 3 cups
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese, plus additional for optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-duty skillet, on medium-high heat, add the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the diced chicken breast pieces in an even layer, and allow the chicken to brown lightly on all sides and the chicken pieces are cooked through. This will take 6 to 8 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, then add the diced yellow onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook the vegetables for 2 minutes or until softened.
- Add the chicken broth, half & half, chopped fresh basil, and bowtie pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the liquids to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the pasta to simmer for 20 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, stir the pasta, replace the lid and finish cooking for the remaining 10 minutes.
- Once the pasta has cooked through, turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
- Allow the pasta and sauce to cool for 5 minutes. This will give the sauce time to thicken slightly before serving. You can garnish the bowtie pasta with a sprinkle of additional grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the ingredients and stir very frequently. You especially don’t want the garlic to burn, or your sauce will have a bitter taste.
- Remember, you are adding the pasta uncooked to the sauce. It will cook as it simmers away with the rest of the ingredients.
- This bowtie pasta is best served immediately. As this dish sits, the sauce will continue to thicken, and the pasta will continue to absorb the liquids.
Nutrition
Calories: 924kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 63g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 241mg | Sodium: 2071mg | Potassium: 1112mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1542IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 569mg | Iron: 2mg
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Comments
Leanna says
I made this tonight and it is a HUGE HIT! I haven’t started eating yet but the family is already raving and said they want this added into our regular dinner rotation. It was so simple to make too. My only hiccup was the store didn’t have jarred sun dried tomatoes so I bought the bagged ones, julienne style, chopped up about 2 tbls then boiled a little water to pour over them, drained and added olive oil. Turned out perfect!
Thank you for sharing with is!