July 12, 2023
Review RecipeCreamy Bowtie Pasta
Filled with flavor and easy to make, this creamy bowtie pasta dish is loaded with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes and smothered in a creamy sauce that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Delicious pasta dishes are one of life’s greatest pleasures, and this creamy bowtie pasta is certain to be a delight for your taste buds! From the al dente texture of perfectly cooked bowtie noodles to the rich and flavorful cream sauce and tender chicken, this dish will tantalize you with its comfort-food goodness.
Creamy Bowtie Pasta Ingredients
Creamy chicken bowtie pasta is a rich and indulgent dish. It explodes with flavor thanks to the creamy sauce, which is a combination of garlic, chicken broth, cream, parmesan cheese and plenty of seasoning.
The bowtie pasta perfectly absorbs the rich flavors of the ingredients, while the tender chicken adds the perfect protein to complete this dish. Finally, the sun-dried tomatoes bring a touch of tanginess and a pop of color.
To make this delicious 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 just need to make sure it measures ½ pound (8 ounces equals approximately 3 cups).
SUN-DRIED TOMATOES: I love the flavor that the sun-dried tomatoes add to this recipe. I will often substitute a brand of sun-dried tomatoes packed in herb-seasoned olive oil for added flavor. Both options are delicious.
BASIL: If fresh basil is not available or in season, you can certainly substitute it with fresh parsley or even 1½ 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 cream 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 Creamy Bowtie Pasta Recipe
To make this creamy pasta, you’ll start by cooking the chicken before adding the onion, tomatoes, and garlic.
Next, you will add the broth, half and half cream, 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.
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this dish.
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, and allow the chicken to brown lightly on all sides, until the chicken pieces are cooked through. This will take 6 to 8 minutes.
STEP TWO: 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.
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 10-minute mark, stir the pasta, replace the lid, and finish cooking for the remaining 10 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 5 minutes. This will give the sauce time to thicken slightly before serving. You can garnish the creamy bowtie pasta with a sprinkle of additional grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil if desired before serving.
PRO TIP:
This creamy 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
If you’re looking to maximize the savory pleasure of this garlic parmesan chicken pasta, add a side of buttery, crusty garlic bread to your meal. The crispiness of the bread, combined with its garlic aroma, will perfectly complement the creamy flavoring in the pasta dish.
A homemade Caesar salad would also complement the pasta perfectly and offer you the perfect way to round out this easy dinner recipe.
Our creamy mushroom pasta and bacon pasta are two more easy recipes to add to your menu.
MORE PASTA RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover creamy bowtie pasta with sun-dried tomatoes can be refrigerated, in an airtight container, for up to 2 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.
Any pasta lover is sure to love the creamy pasta sauce, hearty chicken, and delicious flavors of this creamy 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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Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Filled with flavor and easy to make, this creamy bowtie pasta dish is loaded with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes and smothered in a creamy sauce that is sure to become a family favorite.
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 creamy 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 creamy 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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