Pin it
Had a craving for something warm and easy, so I threw together this garlic parmesan chicken with bow tie pasta. Those fun pasta shapes soak up every bit of the creamy garlic goodness, plus the juicy chicken and bright, crunchy veggies really make every forkful awesome. It's my foolproof trick when I need a no-fuss dinner that still tastes special.
Why You'll Love This Dish
Just one skillet, and it's done. Makes cleaning way quicker. The cream sauce is super silky, and the bow tie noodles soak it all up. We change out the veggies and spices all the time, so it never gets old around here.
What You Need
- Fresh Parsley: Toss it in at the end for a pop of green.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grab a wedge and grate it for meltiness.
- Salt and Pepper: Gives a boost to all the flavors.
- Bow Tie Pasta: Those little pasta bows catch sauce in every bite.
- Milk and Cream: That’s how you get that dreamy, smooth texture.
- Chicken Broth: The base of our cozy sauce.
- Garlic: Get fresh cloves for the tastiest kick.
- Tricolor Peppers: Pretty colors and fresh flavor in one swoop.
- Purple Onion: Adds a sweet bite to the mix.
- Unsalted Butter: Makes things rich without being salty.
- Chicken: Cube it small so it cooks up fast.
- Olive Oil: Helps get that chicken brown and tasty.
Ready to Get Cooking
- Step 5: Wrap It Up
- Add the cheese and stir till it melts, toss the chicken back in, and throw on some parsley to finish.
- Step 4: Pasta Goes In
- Drop your pasta right into the sauce, cover it, and let it gently bubble. Make sure to give it a stir now and then so nothing glues itself to the pan.
- Step 3: Make Your Creamy Sauce
- Splash in the broth with milk and cream. Watch everything blend into a smooth, rich dream.
- Step 2: Flavor Time
- Toss in onions and peppers, cook till they’re soft and sweet. Garlic goes in next—just a quick sizzle so you smell it, not burn it.
- Step 1: Chicken First
- Heat your pan, add butter and olive oil, then get your chicken in. Brown it all around till it’s cooked through, should take about 6 minutes.
Ways to Make It Yours
- Try a Different Cheese: Swap in pecorino or mozzarella if you feel like mixing it up.
- Add Even More Veggies: Chuck in peas or cherry tomatoes for color and crunch.
- Go Gluten Free: Gluten free bow tie pasta does the job just fine.
- Switch Up the Meat: Toss in shrimp or grab some rotisserie chicken for a super quick fix.
- Spice It Up: A shake of Cajun spice wakes up all the flavors.
Keeping Things Tasty
- Skip the Freezer: Cream sauces just don’t thaw back right. Trust me here.
- Heat It Gently: If reheating, pour in a hint of milk and stir till it’s smooth again.
- Store It Chill: Pop leftovers in the fridge—they’ll keep for three days, ideal for quick lunches.
My Best Tips
- Keep Stirring: A few stirs now and then keeps everything from sticking to your pan.
- Control the Sauce: Stash some milk nearby if you need your sauce a little looser.
- All About Fresh: Use real garlic and grate the cheese yourself—makes all the difference.
- Chicken Size Counts: Cut the chicken the same size for even cooking.
- Watch Your Pasta: Get it just tender—no mush.
A Little Extra for the Table
This pairs perfectly with some leafy salad on the side. Warm up a loaf of garlic bread to mop up the sauce. Pour a crisp white wine, and you’ve got yourself a cozy little feast.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out bow tie pasta?
- Sure! Try penne, rotini, or any medium-sized pasta. Stick to the same amount and cook time.
- → What if my sauce thickens too much?
- Add small splashes of milk to thin it until it’s just right. Pasta soaks up liquid as it sits.
- → Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
- You can use only milk if needed. The sauce won't be as rich, but it'll still be tasty.
- → Can I toss in other veggies?
- Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli are great options. Just adjust cook times as needed.
- → How should I store and reheat it?
- Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk since the pasta will have absorbed sauce.