Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz bow tie pasta; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Quick Planning

I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli for family dinners. This dish not only brings a pop of color to the table but also combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug. I enjoy how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights, and it's one of those meals that everyone devours, leaving no leftovers. Give it a try, and I'm sure it will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-27T19:13:35.275Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I wanted something quick yet satisfying. The combination of bow tie pasta, chicken, and broccoli emerged from a craving for comfort food. I found that using fresh ingredients really elevates the dish, making it not only delicious but visually appealing too.

One tip I learned from making this dish multiple times is to sauté the broccoli just right. It should remain bright and slightly crisp, and not overcooked, which enhances the overall flavor and texture. This is definitely a dinner recipe I love to share!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Deliciously creamy with a hint of garlic
Beautiful colors make it visually appealing
Quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

The Role of Creaminess

The heavy cream in this recipe not only adds richness but also helps to create a smooth sauce that clings to the bow tie pasta, enhancing each bite. When simmered, the cream thickens slightly, allowing it to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. To achieve the perfect consistency, ensure you let the mixture warm gently over medium heat after adding the cream. This prevents it from curdling and allows time for the flavors to meld together beautifully.

For those looking to lighten the dish, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative such as almond or oat milk. This substitution will still yield a creamy texture, but with fewer calories. Keep in mind that non-dairy alternatives can alter flavor slightly, so choose one that complements the dish, like unsweetened almond milk.

Broccoli's Importance

In this dish, broccoli serves not just as a colorful addition but also as a nutritious powerhouse. It lends a delightful crunch that contrasts well with the tender pasta and chicken. The key to perfectly cooked broccoli lies in timing; you want it to be vibrant green and tender-crisp. It should be cooked for about 3-4 minutes when added with the garlic. Don’t let it linger in the heat too long to avoid a mushy texture.

If you're short on time, you can steam or blanch the broccoli separately before adding it to the skillet. This method helps preserve its bright color and nutrients, plus it reduces the cooking time during the sauté process. Consider also experimenting with other vegetables, such as asparagus or snap peas, to add variety and seasonal freshness to your dish.

Serving and Storing

This Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli makes for an appealing presentation, especially when garnished with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. I like to serve it accompanied by garlic bread and a side salad, which balances the meal with freshness and texture. It’s also a great choice for meal prep—pack it in individual containers for a week of easy lunches or dinners.

Should you have leftovers, store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Freezing is another option; however, the cream may separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cream and incorporate it after reheating.

Ingredients

Start with these fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Ingredients

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

Gather these ingredients before you begin cooking.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious meal in no time!

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add Broccoli and Garlic

Add the broccoli florets and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender.

Combine All Ingredients

Stir in the cooked pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well, heating the mixture through. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Enjoy your homemade Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving for a spicy kick. Additionally, using leftover rotisserie chicken can cut down on prep time significantly.

Troubleshooting Tips

One common issue when cooking chicken is ensuring it stays moist; overcooking can lead to dry bites. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you notice the chicken browning too fast, simply reduce the heat to medium-low to let it cook through without burning.

When combining the ingredients, if the sauce appears too thick, you can add a bit of pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Just remember to reserve some water before draining the pasta. Alternatively, if it’s too thin, simmering the sauce for a few more minutes can help it reduce and thicken.

Flavor Variations

If you're looking to add a flavor boost, consider including spices such as red pepper flakes for a mild kick or smoked paprika for depth. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish's freshness when sprinkled on before serving. For a tangy twist, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the finished dish—it brightens the flavors beautifully.

Another fun variation is to swap out the chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein if you need a seafood or vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks much quicker, typically in 3-4 minutes, and plant-based proteins might only need warming up, ensuring the preparation stays quick and easy.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up for a larger crowd. Simply double the ingredients while keeping the same cooking methods intact. Using a larger pot for the pasta and a wider skillet for the chicken ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven temperatures and textures.

If you’re only cooking for one or two, you can easily halve the recipe. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times; chicken pieces may take slightly less time to cook, and the pasta should be watched closely to prevent overcooking. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility and ease, making it suitable for any occasion without stress.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute with bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a different flavor profile.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure the chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

→ Can I freeze Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli?

While it's possible to freeze, the texture of the broccoli might change. For best results, enjoy it fresh.