Bow Tie Garlic Chicken

I whipped up this creamy garlic chicken and farfalle dish one evening when I needed something fast but filling. The way these adorable bow tie noodles trap little pockets of garlicky sauce while the juicy chicken and bright veggies create texture in each forkful makes dinner time special. It's now my favorite quick meal when I'm rushed but still want something that tastes like I spent hours cooking.

What Makes This Dish Special

This one-pan wonder saves me tons of cleanup time afterward. The sauce comes out smooth and creamy while those fun bow tie pasta shapes add a playful element. We never get bored with it because changing up the vegetables and spices keeps mealtime fresh and interesting every time we make it.

Your Ingredients List

• Olive Oil: Just a splash to brown your chicken perfectly.
• Chicken: Diced into small chunks for faster cooking times.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess without making things too salty.
• Purple Onion: Brings a nice natural sweetness to the mix.
• Tricolor Peppers: They boost color and add fresh flavor.
• Garlic: Taking time to mince it fresh makes a huge difference.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the foundation of our silky sauce.
• Milk and Cream: The duo that creates that luxurious texture.
• Bow Tie Pasta: Their shape catches sauce in every bite.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance everything else.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grating it yourself gives the best flavor punch.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat your pan with butter and oil until it sizzles. Toss in chicken pieces and cook until they're golden and thoroughly done, around 6 minutes total.

Step 2: Create Flavor Layers

Toss in those colorful peppers and onion, cooking until they soften nicely. Then add garlic and stir just until it becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Mix Up the Sauce

Add your liquids - broth, milk, and cream - and watch as they blend into something really wonderful.

Step 4: Pasta Time

Add bow ties directly into your sauce mixture, pop the lid on, and let everything bubble together, giving it a stir occasionally.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Mix in that parmesan until it disappears, return your chicken to the pan, and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Customization Ideas

• Veggie Boost: Toss in some frozen peas or halved cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
• Spice It Up: A little bit of Cajun seasoning transforms the whole dish.
• Cheese Options: Try some tangy Pecorino or stretchy mozzarella for variety.
• Protein Swaps: This works great with jumbo shrimp or leftover rotisserie chicken.
• No Gluten Needed: Gluten-free farfalle tastes just as good in this recipe.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers Love: This stays tasty in your fridge for up to 3 days and makes awesome lunches.
• Reheat Trick: Add a tiny bit of milk when warming it up to bring back the creamy texture.
• Don't Freeze It: The cream sauce won't hold up well in the freezer, so eat it fresh instead.

Pro Tips

• Uniform Cutting: Make sure chicken pieces are the same size so they cook evenly.
• Pasta Timing: You'll want it just tender, not mushy or undercooked.
• Quality Counts: Real minced garlic and freshly shredded cheese make a huge difference.
• Sauce Control: Have extra milk nearby to thin the sauce if needed.
• Stay Alert: Give it regular stirs to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

Serve Alongside

This pairs beautifully with a basic green salad on the side. Don't forget some toasty garlic bread to mop up that amazing sauce. Add a chilled glass of white wine and suddenly your weeknight dinner feels pretty fancy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the pasta type?

Absolutely! Try penne, rotini, or other medium shapes. Just stick to the same amount and cooking time.

→ What if the sauce gets too thick?

Thin it out by adding small splashes of milk until it's how you like it. Remember, pasta soaks up sauce over time.

→ Can I use something other than cream?

Sure! Milk works too, though the sauce won't be as rich. It'll still taste good, just lighter.

→ Can I switch up the veggies?

Totally! Mix in broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms instead. Just adjust cooking time depending on the vegetables.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Seal them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream, since the pasta absorbs sauce.

Conclusion

Put together a creamy and colorful one-pan dinner in 30 minutes. Chicken, bow tie pasta, and veggies like onions and peppers pair perfectly with the rich garlic sauce.