Creamy Chicken and Sausage Bowtie Pasta: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite!

This creamy chicken and sausage bowtie pasta recipe is a weeknight dinner winner! It’s packed with flavor, relatively easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender chicken, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all coated in a rich and creamy sauce, is simply irresistible. This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or sausage, but it’s equally delicious when made from scratch. This recipe provides detailed instructions to guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect result every time. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Sausage Bowtie Pasta

* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of chicken and sausage creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The cream sauce adds richness and depth, making each bite a delight.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It comes together quickly, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap out the type of sausage.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This pasta is always a hit with family and friends. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
* **Freezable:** This dish freezes well, making it ideal for meal prepping. Simply portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw it when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle):** 1 pound. Bowtie pasta is the classic choice for this dish, but you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells if you prefer. The ridges in these other pasta shapes help to hold the creamy sauce.
* **Chicken Breast:** 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. If using rotisserie chicken, about 3 cups of shredded chicken is perfect.
* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound, sweet or hot, casings removed. Italian sausage adds a savory and flavorful element to the dish. You can use sweet sausage for a milder flavor or hot sausage for a spicy kick. You could also use chicken sausage or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the chicken and sausage. You can also use other cooking oils like canola oil or vegetable oil.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion provides a base of flavor for the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 (any color), chopped. Bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish. You can use any color bell pepper you like.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup. Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the sauce. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. Heavy cream is what makes the sauce rich and creamy. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the sauce. You can use freshly grated Parmesan cheese or pre-grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor to the dish.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the dish.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional). Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot:** For cooking the pasta.
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For cooking the chicken, sausage, and sauce.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and chicken.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables and chicken.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious creamy chicken and sausage bowtie pasta:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Check the pasta frequently towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch on the surface helps the sauce adhere to it.

**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Sausage**

1. If using raw chicken, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. This step can be skipped if you’re using pre-cooked chicken.
2. Remove the sausage from its casings (if applicable). This can be done by slicing the casing lengthwise with a sharp knife and peeling it away from the sausage meat.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Sausage**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The pan should be large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. If you are using pre-cooked chicken, you can add it to the sauce later to warm it through.
3. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Removing the grease is important for preventing the sauce from becoming too oily.

**Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables**

1. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce**

1. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce. This process is called deglazing.
2. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

**Step 6: Combine Everything**

1. Add the cooked chicken and sausage back to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to your liking.

**Step 7: Serve**

1. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot.

Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Types of Sausage:** Experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo, andouille, or chicken sausage, to change the flavor of the dish.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add the vegetables to the skillet along with the onion and bell pepper.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Use a Different Cheese:** Try using a different cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago, instead of Parmesan cheese.
* **Make it Lighter:** Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
* **Add a Touch of Lemon:** A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors of the dish.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce.
* **Make Ahead:** You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the pasta and chicken.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Allow the pasta to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

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

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the rich pasta.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful sides.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, pairs well with this dish.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* **Calories:** 600-800 per serving
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams per serving
* **Fat:** 30-40 grams per serving
* **Carbohydrates:** 50-60 grams per serving

Conclusion

This creamy chicken and sausage bowtie pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that your family and friends will love. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion in every bite! This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!