Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

I whipped up this creamy chicken bow tie pasta one night when I needed something tasty without hours in the kitchen. The way those adorable farfalle noodles trap little pools of garlicky sauce while the juicy chicken and bright veggies fill each forkful makes dinner time special. It's now my fallback plan when time's tight but I still want everyone mmm-ing around the table.

What Makes This Dish Special

The beauty of this meal is how everything cooks in a single skillet, cutting down on dishes afterward. You end up with a silky, luscious sauce coating those playful bow tie pasta shapes that kids and adults both love. We never get bored since it's so easy to toss in different vegetables or spices depending on what we're in the mood for that evening.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Olive Oil: For getting that perfect sear on your chicken pieces.
• Chicken: Diced into small chunks so they cook up fast.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a smooth richness without controlling the salt level.
• Purple Onion: Brings natural sweetness and pretty color to the dish.
• Tricolor Peppers: They add vibrancy and fresh crunch to every bite.
• Garlic: Don't skip chopping it yourself, so worth the effort.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the foundation of our creamy sauce.
• Milk and Cream: The duo that creates that irresistible silkiness.
• Bow Tie Pasta: Their unique shape captures sauce in every nook.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring everything alive.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grab a block and grate it yourself for best results.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Let's Cook

Step 1: Cook Your Chicken

Heat your skillet with butter and oil until it sizzles. Toss in those chicken chunks and brown them until no longer pink inside, roughly 6 minutes total.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Toss your onions and peppers into the pan and cook until they've softened. Add the garlic at the very end, just cooking until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix Up Your Sauce

Stir in the broth, milk and cream, watching as everything blends into a beautiful base for our pasta.

Step 4: Simmer The Pasta

Toss those bow ties directly into your sauce, put a lid on it, and let them bubble away, giving an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish It Off

Mix in the parmesan until completely melted, return your chicken to the pan, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tweak It Your Way

• Boost The Veggies: Frozen peas or halved grape tomatoes can jump in at the last minute.
• Spice Things Up: A dash of Cajun spices transforms the whole dish.
• Try Different Cheeses: Aged Pecorino or stringy mozzarella work wonderfully too.
• Change Your Protein: Swap in quick-cooking shrimp or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Make It GF: Gluten-free farfalle performs surprisingly well in this dish.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers: This will stay good for up to 3 days in your fridge, making great next-day lunches.
• Reheating Trick: Add a tiny bit of milk while warming to bring the creaminess back.
• Don't Freeze: The cream sauce won't hold up well in the freezer, just don't go there.

Pro Tips

• Cut Evenly: Uniform chicken pieces mean everything finishes cooking at once.
• Pasta Timing: Test a piece occasionally so you catch it at that perfect al dente stage.
• No Shortcuts: Real minced garlic and freshly grated cheese really do taste better.
• Sauce Control: Keep extra milk nearby to thin the sauce if needed.
• Don't Walk Away: A quick stir now and then prevents pasta from clumping together.

Round Out Your Dinner

This pairs perfectly with a light green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Some warm crusty bread on the side will make sure not a drop of sauce goes to waste. Top it off with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, and suddenly your weeknight dinner feels like a special occasion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap out the pasta type?

Absolutely, try penne or rotini instead. Stick to the same quantity and cook time for the best results.

→ The sauce feels too thick. What should I do?

Just add a splash of milk, little by little, to loosen it up. Remember, pasta soaks up liquid as it sits.

→ Can I skip the heavy cream?

Sure, using just milk works too. It won’t be as rich, but it’ll still taste great.

→ Can I change up the veggies?

Definitely! Use what you’ve got, like broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just adjust cook time if needed.

→ How do I save leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream since the pasta will soak in the sauce.

Conclusion

This quick one-pan meal has perfectly cooked chicken, bow tie pasta, and a creamy garlic sauce. Sweet peppers and onions add color and flavor.