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 ounces bow tie pasta; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Ideas

I love making Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli because it combines delicious flavors with vibrant colors. This dish is not only visually appealing, but it also brings together the satisfying taste of chicken with the freshness of broccoli in a creamy sauce. We often whip it up on busy weeknights when we need something hearty yet quick to prepare. The bow tie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite a delight that my family can't resist.

Created by

Lorna Whitcombe

Last updated on 2026-03-28T00:21:38.962Z

The first time I made Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli, I realized how easily I could turn a simple meal into something special. The key is to sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned, which infuses the dish with an incredible depth of flavor. It's amazing how these little touches can elevate the whole experience.

Another tip I found effective is to cook the broccoli just until tender but still crisp. This not only adds color to the plate but also preserves the nutrients. Serving it with grated Parmesan on top gives it that final touch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Deliciously creamy sauce that coats each piece of pasta
Nutritious blend of protein and vegetables in one dish
Easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners

Understanding The Ingredients

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the bow tie pasta, which not only adds a fun shape but also holds onto the creamy sauce exceptionally well. When choosing pasta, look for high-quality options made from durum wheat, as they provide a firm texture that holds up during cooking. Fresh pasta can also be used, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Broccoli is more than just a colorful addition; it brings both nutrition and crunch to the dish. For best results, use fresh broccoli florets and avoid overcooking them. They should remain vibrant green and tender-crisp after the brief cooking time. If you're short on time, frozen broccoli can be a handy substitute; just be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess water in your sauce.

Cooking Techniques to Perfect Your Dish

Sautéing the chicken in olive oil not only enhances its flavor but also ensures that it develops a beautiful golden crust. Make sure to cook the chicken in a single layer for even cooking; overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of browning. If your chicken is thick, consider cutting it into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks through in the recommended 5-7 minutes.

When preparing the sauce, keep an eye on the heavy cream as it simmers. Bring it to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent curdling. Stir frequently to combine the Parmesan cheese smoothly into the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t clump. For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the sauce for added flavor without overpowering the dish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

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

Preparation Steps

Directions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Chicken

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

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. You can also substitute chicken with shrimp for a different protein twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli can be prepped in advance, making it a great option for meal planning. You can cook the pasta and blanch the broccoli earlier in the day or even the night before. Keep them separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to combine them with the sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce's creaminess. Avoid the microwave for reheating, as it can cause uneven heating and a rubbery texture.

Creative Variations

You can easily customize this pasta dish to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Tofu can also serve as a protein substitute.

If you're looking for a twist, try using different types of cheese in the sauce, such as goat cheese or cheddar, for a distinct flavor. Experimenting with different pasta shapes can also add variety; fusilli or penne would work nicely, offering unique textures that catch the sauce differently.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute bow tie pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce the calories.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time, store them separately, and combine them when ready to serve.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Adding herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor of this dish, along with some lemon zest for freshness.