Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz bow tie pasta; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Classics

I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta all tossed in a creamy sauce brings comfort to my table. It's a dish that always gets rave reviews from my family, and it's surprisingly easy to throw together. I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen, and the outcome never disappoints!

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:21:36.528Z

Every time I make Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli, the aroma fills my kitchen like a warm hug. I remember the first time I tried this classic combination, and it was an instant hit! The broccoli adds a beautiful color and great nutritional punch, and I find that using fresh ingredients really elevates the dish.

I love how versatile this recipe is! Sometimes I switch up the spices or add a sprinkle of cheese for an extra flair. In the end, it’s all about customizing to your taste. It’s become a beloved staple in our dinner rotation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, rich sauce complements the tender bow tie pasta perfectly.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal.

The Role of Broccoli

Broccoli is not only a nutritional powerhouse but also adds a delightful crunch and color to your Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli. When blanched properly, it retains its vibrant green hue and has a tender yet firm texture, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Be sure not to overcook the broccoli; cooking it just for the last three minutes with the pasta ensures that it remains bright and maintains its nutrients.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider replacing broccoli with other green vegetables such as asparagus or green beans. Both alternatives can be sautéed briefly before being added to the pasta and sauce, offering different flavors and textures while maintaining the dish's colorful appeal.

Perfecting the Cream Sauce

The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth in the sauce creates a creamy consistency that clings perfectly to the pasta. When making the sauce, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer after adding the cream, which allows it to meld with the broth and infuse a savory depth of flavor. This simmering step should take about 5 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the sauce slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Feel free to enhance the sauce with various herbs. A pinch of dried Italian herbs or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving can elevate the dish's flavor profile. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk alternative. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the sauce’s creaminess.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli is a fantastic dish for meal prep. You can prepare the pasta and broccoli in advance and store them separately from the sauce. When ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and toss in the pasta and broccoli for a quick assembly. This way, you can have a hearty meal ready in under 10 minutes on busy nights.

To store leftovers, ensure they cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerated, the dish will last for 3-4 days. If you want to freeze the meal, consider freezing the sauce separately from the pasta, as the texture may change upon thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop until piping hot, adding a splash of chicken broth as needed to restore the sauce's consistency.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Bow Tie Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli

8 oz bow tie pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli alongside a fresh garden salad or garlic bread to create a well-rounded meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta, providing a refreshing contrast. Consider serving with a glass of white wine, such as a crisp Chardonnay, to elevate the dining experience.

Garnishing your dish with additional grated Parmesan immediately before serving can not only enhance the visual appeal but also add an extra punch of cheesy goodness. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before presenting the dish.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding a bit more chicken broth or cream. Heat gently while stirring to achieve the desired consistency. On the other hand, if the sauce ends up too runny, you can let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

Should you encounter issues with flavor balance, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the whole dish. This small addition can lift the rich creaminess and round out the flavors beautifully. Always remember to taste as you go; adjusting seasoning gradually can help tailor the dish to your and your family’s preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli; just ensure it’s thawed and drained before adding it to the dish.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream for a lighter version.

→ Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute bow tie pasta with a gluten-free alternative.

→ Can I make this meal ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and combine with freshly cooked pasta right before serving.