Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli

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

Highlighted under: Soulful Dishes

I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli because it’s a delightful dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. The unique shape of the bow tie pasta holds on to the creamy sauce and tender pieces of chicken, making every bite a joy. Plus, adding broccoli not only gives a pop of color but also loads the dish with nutrients. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy, and it never fails to impress my friends when I host dinner parties.

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:53:36.797Z

When I first attempted making this dish, I experimented with different ingredients and cooking techniques, ultimately discovering that lightly sautéing the chicken enhances its flavor beautifully. I also found that cooking the broccoli just until tender brightens the overall taste without losing its vibrant green color.

One of my favorite tips is to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water. Adding it to the sauce helps it cling to the pasta better, imparting a richer, more cohesive flavor. I've never looked back since incorporating this simple technique, and now no dinner feels complete without it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy and comforting with a deliciously satisfying texture
Quick to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights
Packed with protein and veggies for a balanced meal

The Importance of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli plays a crucial role in creating a well-balanced dish. The bow tie pasta not only offers a unique texture but also captures the creamy sauce wonderfully. Choosing high-quality chicken breasts ensures tenderness and that satisfying bite; I always recommend using fresh over frozen for the best flavor. Broccoli adds not just a splash of color but also important antioxidants, making the dish both delicious and nutritious.

When it comes to the heavy cream, opting for a full-fat version versus light cream will yield a richer sauce that clings beautifully to each morsel of pasta. For those watching their fat intake, you can substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt; it provides creaminess with added protein, though the flavor will be slightly tangier. Additionally, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is worth the extra effort, as it melts more smoothly than pre-grated options, resulting in a completely luscious sauce.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Results

Timing is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken to perfection. Start with medium heat to prevent drying out the chicken; it should take about 5-7 minutes to reach that golden brown color. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning the outside while keeping the inside tender. Keeping an eye on the broccoli is equally important; sauté it just until it turns bright green and is tender-crisp, which should take 3-4 minutes. This ensures that it retains its vibrant color and nutrients.

When combining the pasta with the sauce, be sure to reserve that half cup of pasta water. This starchy water is a game-changer for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. If the sauce is too thick after adding the Parmesan, simply drizzle in a bit of the reserved water while tossing the pasta until you reach the desired creaminess. This step not only helps in mixing but also enhances the overall flavor by marrying the pasta with the sauce.

Serving and Storing Tips

For an appealing presentation, consider garnishing your Bow Tie Pasta with a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan and perhaps a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil. If you're feeling adventurous, finish it off with a few red pepper flakes for an extra kick! This dish is excellent served immediately but can also be enjoyed as leftovers. Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—just give it a quick reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to life.

If you’re making this ahead of time, I recommend preparing the sauce and chicken combination separately, then just tossing it together with cooked pasta right before serving. This not only helps preserve the texture of the pasta but also allows you to enjoy this delightful dish at its freshest. In the freezer, this pasta dish can be stored for about a month; thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, ensuring not to overcook the pasta again.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare the dish:

Ingredients

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

Ensure that all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Here’s how to make your Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli:

Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Sauté Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Broccoli and Garlic

To the skillet, add the broccoli florets and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender but still crisp.

Prepare the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If it’s too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve

Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. You can also substitute the broccoli with other veggies like spinach or bell peppers based on your preference.

Ingredient Adjustments and Alternatives

If you want to make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding other vegetables along with the broccoli, such as spinach or bell peppers, which will also add color and flavor. Make sure to sauté them briefly so they retain some crunch. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas or keep it strictly plant-based by using tofu or tempeh marinated and pan-seared until crisp.

In terms of pasta alternatives, feel free to experiment with whole wheat bow tie pasta or gluten-free versions. Just be mindful to adjust the cooking time, as alternative pasta types might have different cooking notes. If you're looking to incorporate more whole grains, you can also use farro or quinoa in place of pasta altogether for a hearty twist.

Tasty Complementary Sides

Serving this dish alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette can enhance the meal without overpowering it. The freshness of the greens will balance the richness of the pasta and give a delightful contrast in textures. You might also consider garlic bread as an accompaniment; the buttery, crispy slices are perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce.

For a more substantial meal, roasted vegetables such as carrots or zucchini can round out the dish nicely. Season them lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper, roast at 400°F until tender and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. These will not only add flavor on their own but can also serve as a great vegetarian-friendly addition to your pasta dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce ends up too thick, which can happen depending on the cream you use, don’t hesitate to add more chicken broth or reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve that silky consistency. Conversely, if you find the sauce too thin, let it simmer on low heat longer, allowing it to reduce without overcooking the pasta.

Another common issue is pasta sticking together. Make sure to stir the pasta during the first few minutes of boiling, and always toss the cooked pasta with the sauce immediately; this method helps ensure that each piece stays coated and avoids clumping as it cools. Also, a touch of olive oil tossed with the pasta right after draining can help prevent sticking during storage.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works well and adds more fiber to the dish.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook everything in advance and reheat it gently on the stove with a little extra broth to keep it creamy.

→ What other proteins can I use?

You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even keep it vegetarian by adding tofu.