Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces bow tie pasta; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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I love making Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli always feels satisfying and wholesome. We find that this dish holds up well for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep. Plus, it's super easy and can be on the table in no time, making it a go-to for busy evenings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of flavors that come together beautifully.

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2026-02-23T22:18:36.773Z

I've experimented with various pasta recipes, and Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli is a standout for my family. The vibrant green of the broccoli against the pasta creates a visually appealing dish. I often sauté garlic and onions before adding the chicken to infuse the dish with aromatic flavors that make it even more delicious.

This meal is not only quick to prepare but also versatile. You can easily swap the broccoli for other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, depending on what's in season. One tip I have is to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water to help create a silky sauce when combining everything.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful mix of textures with each bite of pasta, chicken, and broccoli
Quick and easy preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile recipe that allows for seasonal vegetable swaps

The Importance of Timing in Cooking

When cooking the bow tie pasta, it's crucial to follow the package instructions closely to avoid overcooking. Aim for 'al dente' texture, which means the pasta should be firm when bitten, usually around 10-12 minutes in boiling salted water. If you're unsure, taste a piece a minute or two before the suggested time to ensure perfect cuisson. Remember to save that 1/2 cup of pasta water; it’s essential for creating a cohesive sauce that brings the entire dish together.

The chicken should be cooked just right to ensure it remains juicy. Sauté it on medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes. You want to see a golden brown crust forming on the outside, which adds flavor and texture. If your chicken pieces are too large, consider cutting them down into smaller uniform pieces for more even cooking. If you notice the chicken starting to dry out, lower the heat and add a splash of pasta water to keep it moist.

Vegetable Variations for Enhanced Flavor

Broccoli adds not just color but a delightful crunch that complements the tenderness of the pasta and chicken. If you want to change things up seasonally, try substituting the broccoli with asparagus in the spring or spinach in the fall. For each option, sauté them until they're just tender; this usually doesn’t take more than 3-4 minutes. This small adjustment can drastically change the dish's profile and keep your weeknight dinners exciting.

For a bit of added richness, consider incorporating some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. Just chop them up and add them along with the broccoli. These ingredients infuse a subtle sweetness and a pop of color which can brighten the dish and introduce new flavor dimensions. Flavor variations like these can make all the difference and keep your Bow Tie Pasta fresh each time you prepare it.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

This Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli is a fantastic candidate for meal prep. You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the components together with a splash of pasta water to bring everything back to life and keep the dish from drying out. Just be mindful that the broccoli should ideally be added fresh for optimal texture.

If you're considering freezing the dish, note that the texture of the broccoli may change after thawing. For best results, prepare the chicken and pasta and freeze those separately, then add freshly steamed broccoli when you reheat the meal. This way, you'll maintain a delightful crunch and vibrant green color, ensuring that your weeknight meal continues to provide a satisfying eating experience even days after cooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious pasta dish:

Ingredients

8 ounces bow tie pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Make sure to have everything prepped for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a scrumptious Bow Tie Pasta dish:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then, add the broccoli florets and cook until they're bright green and slightly tender, around another 3-4 minutes.

Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to combine everything. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve with Cheese

Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes during cooking to give your dish a slight kick.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a main course but pairs well with a simple side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. The brightness of the salad balances the richness of the pasta, making for a well-rounded meal. You can also complement the dish with garlic bread for a heartier experience, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

For a more gourmet touch, consider finishing the pasta with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes just before serving. The lemon adds brightness, whereas the heat from the red pepper flakes can elevate the overall flavor profile. This simple trick can make your homemade dish feel more restaurant-quality without extra effort.

Dietary Adjustments

For those looking to make the dish gluten-free, simply swap the bow tie pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as gluten-free pastas can differ significantly in texture and cook time. Similarly, using zoodles (zucchini noodles) is a popular option for a low-carb twist, though they’ll require less cooking time as they soften quickly.

To make the dish dairy-free, you can omit the Parmesan cheese entirely or use a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute that can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You could also incorporate nuts like sliced almonds or cashews for added texture and a nutty taste, enhancing the overall experience of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat bow tie pasta can be a healthy substitute and works well in this recipe.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or peas for more variety and color.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein.