Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli: A Comfort Food Delight

Craving a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to make? Look no further than this creamy bow tie pasta with chicken and broccoli! This recipe is a weeknight winner, combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, all coated in a rich and flavorful creamy sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.

This dish is not only delicious but also relatively quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy schedules. You can customize it with different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore the simple steps to create this culinary masterpiece.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The creamy sauce combined with the chicken, broccoli, and pasta creates a symphony of flavors that’s both satisfying and comforting.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Quick to Prepare:** From start to finish, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Family-Friendly:** This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great option for family meals.
* **Uses readily available ingredients:** You probably have many of the ingredients needed in your pantry already.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this creamy bow tie pasta with chicken and broccoli:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle)
* **Chicken:** 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Broccoli:** 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, chopped
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 1/2 cups
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Butter (optional):** 1 tablespoon
* **Lemon Juice (optional):** 1 tablespoon

**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**

* **Pasta:** Bow tie pasta (farfalle) is the classic choice, but you can substitute it with penne, rotini, or any other short pasta shape.
* **Chicken:** Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They will take a little longer to cook but will be more flavorful.
* **Broccoli:** Frozen broccoli florets can be used if fresh broccoli is not available. Thaw them before adding to the recipe.
* **Heavy Cream:** Half-and-half or milk can be used instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less thick and rich. You can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the milk to thicken it slightly.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
* **Italian Seasoning:** If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
* **Spices:** Adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Colander

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make creamy bow tie pasta with chicken and broccoli:

**1. Cook the Pasta:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
* Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

**2. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli:**

* While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
* Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
* Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes). You can add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid to steam the broccoli if needed.

**3. Make the Creamy Sauce:**

* 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 chicken broth to a simmer.
* Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
* Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the sauce.
* Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**4. Combine Everything:**

* Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
* Toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Serve the creamy bow tie pasta with chicken and broccoli immediately.
* Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (optional).
* A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavours.
* Enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
* **Brown the Chicken:** Brown the chicken before adding it to the sauce to develop more flavor.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Cook the garlic over medium-low heat to prevent it from burning.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it.
* **Season to Taste:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Add Some Butter (Optional):** Adding a tablespoon of butter to the sauce will make it even richer and more flavorful.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor of the dish.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Cheese:** Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere.
* **Protein:** Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Herbs:** Use fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
* **Lemon:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** The intense flavour of sun-dried tomatoes make a wonderful addition.
* **Pesto:** Swirl a spoonful of pesto through just before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

This creamy bow tie pasta with chicken and broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread.

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta dish.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with this dish.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover creamy bow tie pasta with chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

## Make Ahead Tips

* **Cook the Pasta in Advance:** Cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli:** Cook the chicken and broccoli ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Sauce in Advance:** Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it before adding the pasta, chicken, and broccoli.

## Nutritional Information (Estimated)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams

## Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle)
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 medium onion, chopped
* 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken and broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the broccoli and cook until tender-crisp.
3. Make the creamy sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer. Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
4. Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine.
5. Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (optional).

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli! This is a recipe you’ll make again and again. The variations are endless so get creative and make it your own!