why make this recipe
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. It combines tender chicken and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare. With the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, each bite brings a burst of flavor. This recipe is not just tasty; it’s also a crowd-pleaser that can impress your loved ones. Whether you are cooking for your family or a romantic date, this dish is sure to make them fall in love with your cooking!
how to make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, oil-packed, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season thinly sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage for flavor.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and the garlic is slightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. This adds depth to your sauce.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta warm.
how to serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta hot on a plate or in a bowl. It’s great to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
how to store Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on a stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it may thicken in the fridge.
tips to make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta
- Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
variation
You can switch out the bowtie pasta for any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or add more vegetables for bulk. For a different twist, try adding Italian sausage or shrimp in place of chicken.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta just before serving to keep it fresh.Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store the pasta and sauce separately if you’re planning to keep it for several days.Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even doneness.
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, oil-packed, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- Season thinly sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage for flavor.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and the garlic is slightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.