Creamy Dreamy: Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore

Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta, also known as Farfalle with Chicken, is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, and a creamy, flavorful sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite. This article will guide you through each step, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta turns out perfectly every time.

## Why This Recipe Works

There are many reasons to love this Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta recipe:

* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory sauce that complements the chicken and pasta perfectly.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Family-Friendly:** Both kids and adults love this dish, making it a perfect option for family dinners.
* **Impressive:** While easy to make, this dish looks and tastes impressive, making it suitable for special occasions or dinner parties.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of bow tie pasta (farfalle).
* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for serving.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat).
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish.
* **Sun-dried Tomatoes:** 1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped (optional, for added flavor).
* **Spinach:** 5 ounces, fresh, baby spinach (optional, for added nutrients).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta:

### Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be cooked through but still firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Test a piece of pasta to check for doneness.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

### Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
3. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning (about 1 teaspoon). Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.

### Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

### Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

### Step 5: Create the Sauce

1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add extra flavor to the sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer.
2. Stir in the heavy cream, remaining Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

### Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
3. If using, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.

### Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta from the heat.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta is a success:

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold its shape well. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente for the best texture.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese will add the most flavor to your dish. If you can, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-grated kind.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season your dish generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This will help to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and chicken, then combine everything with the sauce.

## Variations and Substitutions

This Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to your preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Different Pasta Shapes:** If you don’t have bow tie pasta, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine.
* **Different Protein:** Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp, sausage, or tofu. Cook the protein according to its specific cooking time and add it to the sauce as directed.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
* **Vegetarian Option:** To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus. You can also add cooked beans or lentils for extra protein.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago. Add the cheese to the sauce along with the Parmesan cheese.
* **Lemon Chicken Pasta:** Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Pesto Chicken Pasta:** Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto sauce for a flavorful twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish to complement the flavors. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Caprese Salad:** A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is a light and refreshing option.
* **Bruschetta:** Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil is a delicious appetizer to serve before the pasta.

## Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it until heated through or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Italian Chicken Bow Tie Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is easy to make and versatile, so you can customize it to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal!

Enjoy cooking and buon appetito!