Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz bow tie pasta; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

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I'm excited to share my favorite recipe for Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli! This dish combines tender chicken breast, bright broccoli florets, and delightful bow tie pasta, all subsumed in a creamy garlic sauce. It's a weeknight favorite in our household, as it comes together effortlessly and is a sure hit with family and friends. Plus, it's a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies! Let’s dive into this satisfying recipe that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.

Created by

Diana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-02-27T19:45:35.720Z

When I first attempted Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli, I was looking for a quick and satisfying meal that everyone would enjoy. The harmony of the tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and spiraled pasta coated in a luscious sauce was a revelation! I discovered that blanching the broccoli just before mixing it with the pasta keeps its vibrant green color and bright flavor, elevating the dish.

In perfecting this recipe, I learned that to achieve a creamy texture without overwhelming richness, using a combination of cream and chicken broth works wonders. It creates a luxurious sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and you have a crowd-pleaser!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Creamy garlic sauce that enhances the pasta without overpowering it
Tender chicken and broccoli with a satisfying texture
Quick and easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights

Choosing the Right Pasta

For this Bow Tie Pasta recipe, the specific shape of farfalle (the Italian term for bow tie) is important because its unique form holds the creamy sauce beautifully. When cooked al dente, it provides a delightful bite that contrasts with the tender chicken and broccoli. If you don't have bow tie pasta on hand, you can substitute fusilli or penne, but be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package instructions.

The type of pasta also affects how much sauce clings to each piece, ensuring every bite is flavored perfectly. Upon cooking the pasta, aim for a light, glossy coating with the sauce instead of it being excessively runny, as that can make the dish less enjoyable.

Broccoli Preparation Tips

Blanching the broccoli is a key step to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture. I recommend cutting the florets into uniform sizes for even cooking. Furthermore, don’t skip the brief sautéing before steaming—it adds an initial layer of flavor that enriches the whole dish. If you're looking for a different vegetable, green beans or asparagus can be excellent substitutes, though they will require different cooking times.

To keep the broccoli bright and crisp, you should immediately transfer it to an ice bath after steaming. This not only stops the cooking process but also helps maintain the vibrant color, enhancing the visual appeal of your dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers after dinner, this dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce will thicken slightly, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or more heavy cream to restore the dish to its original consistency. Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce—stir continuously until hot.

For longer storage, you can freeze the entire dish or individual portions. Just make sure to cool the pasta completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Ingredients

Gather all the fresh ingredients needed for this delightful dish:

Ingredients

8 oz bow tie pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
2 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Once you have all these ingredients ready, you're set to create a delicious meal!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Blanch the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of water, cover, and steam for about 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce's consistency. Season with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Your Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli is now ready to be savored!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Enhancing Flavor with Garlic

Garlic plays a critical role in elevating the flavors of the creamy sauce. Sautéing it just until fragrant, rather than allowing it to brown, brings out its natural sweetness without introducing bitterness. For an extra depth of flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of raw; it has a milder taste and adds a richness that complements the cream and Parmesan cheese beautifully.

If you're a fan of garlic, feel free to increase the amount to suit your taste. Alternatively, you can substitute minced shallots for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, aromatic backdrop.

Variations on a Classic Dish

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding different proteins such as shrimp or sausage. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; shrimp cook quickly, so add them just when the chicken is almost done to avoid overcooking. Additionally, incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or spinach can provide an exciting twist while maintaining the dish’s integrity.

For a healthier version, consider swapping out the heavy cream for a lower-fat milk or plant-based version like almond milk, though it may alter the creaminess of the sauce. You can also use a whole wheat or gluten-free bow tie pasta to cater to dietary preferences without losing the classic flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will give the dish a nuttier flavor and add extra fiber.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you're looking to lighten it up.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas would make great additions.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated easily.