The Easiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta
Cooking a delicious meal in just minutes is not an easy feat, but this garlic parmesan chicken with bow tie pasta recipe will surely be in heavy rotation once you try it. The creamy sauce makes this pasta dish a family favorite in my house. Adding the parmesan and the minced garlic to the bow ties makes all the difference because it has tons of flavor!
For starters, this cheesy chicken dish is a crowdpleaser. Even my picky kids devour this yummy and satisfying chicken dish every time I make it. You can use other types of pasta, too, including gluten-free, but for some reason bowtie pasta is really fun for children… and the whole family!
But what I like the most about this creamy garlic parmesan pasta with chicken is that I can make it quickly and without stressing too much about the ingredients, especially on a busy weeknight. All that needs a bit of prepping is the chicken. I prefer to defrost the chicken breast in the fridge and simply put it there the night before. This delicious chicken bow tie pasta recipe is a great choice for a family weeknight dinner that is also a good source of protein. All the yummy flavors come together in such a filling way.
How can I make sure the chicken is juicy and not overcooked?
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the skillet while simmering, stir every 5 minutes or so to make sure there is no sticking nor burning. And I also add more milk or cream if the liquid evaporates out too quickly.
Can you make this recipe with rotisserie chicken?
For best results, I recommend using fresh chicken (or freshly defrosted), but if you are pressed for time, you can use rotisserie or cooked chicken in case or a meal emergency. I would chop it into squares and add it in step 3.
Can I use garlic powder instead of minced garlic?
Yes, if you don’t have fresh or minced garlic, use 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder. The flavor will be less garlicky, though.
What other vegetables can I add to this chicken bow tie pasta recipe?
Depending on your personal preferences, you could add cherry tomatoes, red pepper, peas, carrots and fresh spinach. You could also sneak in some broccoli. The trick is to add the vegetables to the liquid ingredients so they will cook and simmer.
What can I serve with this recipe?
This garlic parmesan chicken and bow tie pasta goes really well with fresh salads. A mozzarella tomato caprese salad pairs perfectly, or you can keep it simple with a fresh lettuce and tomato salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb or 450 grams of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup purple onion, diced
- 1 cup chopped tricolor peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz bow tie pasta (or any other pasta, including gluten free)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pan or skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Add in onions and peppers and continue to cook until chicken is fully cooked through and browned.
- Stir in garlic, salt and pepper and cook for an additional minute. Add uncooked pasta, milk, cream and chicken broth.
- Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed until desired consistency is reached.
Need some variations on this recipe? Simply add frozen veggies to the recipe. Add them when the liquids are added, stir and let simmer. Peas and carrots go really well with the cream, parmesan and garlic mix. Or you could add cherry tomatoes when you add the liquid ingredients. You can also add fresh basil.
If you do end up having leftovers, store in the fridge for up to 48 hours in an airtight container. I do not recommend freezing the leftovers. You can also make a chicken bow tie pasta salad.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta
This garlic parmesan chicken is the perfect dinner recipe. The side of bow tie pasta is also delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb or 450 gr chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup purple onion, diced
- 1 cup chopped tricolor peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1/4 -½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pan or skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chicken. Cook until no longer pink.
- Add in onions and peppers and continue to cook until
chicken is fully cooked through and browned. - Stir in garlic, salt and pepper and cook for an additional minute. Add uncooked pasta, milk, cream and chicken broth.
- Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed until desired consistency is reached.
More easy chicken recipes
- Yummy and Easy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Easy baked cream cheese chicken taquitos
- The easiest chicken salad wraps (with gluten free option!)
- Healthy grilled Buffalo chicken salad recipe
- The easiest ever chicken Parmesan recipe
