Pin it
This garlic parmesan chicken with bow tie pasta started in my kitchen on a night when I wanted something comforting but quick. The way those cute little bow ties catch pools of creamy garlic sauce while tender chicken and colorful veggies add substance to every bite makes this dish pure magic. It's become my go to recipe when I need dinner on the table fast but don't want to sacrifice flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
I love how this dish comes together in one pan saving me from endless cleanup. The sauce turns out rich and velvety while those playful bow tie noodles add such a fun touch. My family never tires of it because we can switch up the veggies and seasonings keeping dinner exciting night after night.
What You'll Need
- Olive Oil: Just enough to get that chicken golden brown.
- Chicken: Cut into bite sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Unsalted Butter: Makes everything richer without too much salt.
- Purple Onion: Adds such lovely sweetness to the dish.
- Tricolor Peppers: They make everything look gorgeous and taste fresh.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is worth the extra minute.
- Chicken Broth: Creates the base of our dreamy sauce.
- Milk and Cream: The secret to that velvety texture.
- Bow Tie Pasta: Those little bows hold sauce in every fold.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings make flavors pop.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh for the best melting.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens everything up at the end.
Let's Cook
- Step 1: Start with the Chicken
- Get your pan nice and hot with oil and butter. Cook those chicken pieces until they're golden outside and juicy inside about 6 minutes.
- Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
- In goes the onion and peppers until they're soft and sweet. Add that garlic just for a quick minute until it smells amazing.
- Step 3: Create the Sauce
- Pour in your broth milk and cream watch how it all comes together into something gorgeous.
- Step 4: Cook Those Bow Ties
- Drop the pasta right into the sauce cover and let it simmer stirring now and then so nothing sticks.
- Step 5: Bring it Home
- Stir in that parmesan until it's all melty add your chicken back and finish with fresh parsley.
Make It Your Own
- Add More Veggies: Sometimes I throw in peas or cherry tomatoes for extra color.
- Play with Flavors: A pinch of Cajun seasoning makes everything exciting.
- Switch Up Cheese: Sharp Pecorino or melty mozzarella work beautifully.
- Try New Proteins: Shrimp is amazing in this or use rotisserie chicken for speed.
- Keep it Gluten Free: The gluten free bow ties work just as well.
Keeping It Fresh
- Store it Right: Keeps well in the fridge for 3 days perfect for lunches.
- Warm it Up: Add a splash of milk when reheating brings the sauce back to life.
- Skip the Freezer: Creamy sauces just don't freeze well trust me on this one.
My Kitchen Secrets
- Size Matters: Keep those chicken pieces even they'll cook perfectly.
- Watch the Pasta: You want it tender but not mushy.
- Fresh is Best: Real garlic and fresh grated cheese make all the difference.
- Perfect Sauce: Keep some extra milk handy to adjust the thickness.
- Keep Stirring: A little attention prevents any sticking.
Complete Your Meal
I love serving this with a simple green salad on the side. Some warm garlic bread for soaking up that sauce is a must. Pour yourself a glass of crisp white wine and dinner suddenly feels rather fancy.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can substitute bow tie pasta with other medium-sized pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just keep the amount the same and follow the same cooking time.
- → What if my sauce is too thick?
- You can easily adjust the consistency by adding more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
- → Can I substitute the heavy cream?
- While heavy cream provides the richest texture, you could use all milk instead. The sauce won't be quite as creamy but will still be delicious.
- → Can I use different vegetables?
- Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on what you have. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream as the pasta will have absorbed more of the sauce.