Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Love at First Bite! Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken pairs beautifully with a rich sun-dried tomato sauce and al dente bowtie pasta for a meal that feels like love at first bite.

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Choose thighs for extra juiciness and flavor)
• 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) (Opt for gluten-free pasta if preferred)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth)
• 0.5 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Look for oil-packed tomatoes)
• 1 cup Chicken Broth (Homemade broth is best)
• 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (Substitute with half-and-half or non-dairy alternative if needed)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated Parmesan enhances flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter (Use butter for added richness)
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (A blend of herbs for flavor)
• 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, customize heat)
• Salt and Pepper to taste (Essential for balancing flavors)
• 0.25 cup Fresh Basil or Parsley (Aromatic herbs for brightness and color)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and simmer for an additional 3 minutes. Gradually add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
7. Step 7: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss in the cooked bowtie pasta, coating everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Heat together for 2–3 minutes.
8. Step 8: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more juicy, flavorful meat.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative to lighten the sauce.
• Add red pepper flakes to adjust the heat level according to your taste.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely. Use a non-dairy cream alternative and a dairy-free cheese substitute, and opt for olive oil instead of butter to keep the dish dairy-free while maintaining flavor.

Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Love at First Bite! Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender seared chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce infused with Italian herbs and garlic. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 2 pieces Chicken Breasts or Thighs (choose thighs for extra juiciness and flavor)

Pasta & Grains

• 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) (opt for gluten-free pasta if preferred)

Produce & Herbs

• 3 cloves Garlic (fresh, minced)
• 0.5 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed)
• 0.25 cup Fresh Basil or Parsley (chopped)

Dairy

• 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (substitute with half-and-half or non-dairy alternative if needed)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil (use butter for added richness)

Liquids

• 1 cup Chicken Broth (homemade preferred)

Spices & Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, generously season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for well-rounded flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, which will build depth in the sauce.
5. Add Broth: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 3 minutes to concentrate flavors.
6. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and simmer for another 3 minutes. Gradually add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss in the cooked bowtie pasta, ensuring everything is coated evenly with the creamy sauce. Heat together for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Choose chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
• If preferred, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
• Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste.
• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil give better flavor; drain slightly before use.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to customize the heat level or omit if sensitive to spice.
• Homemade chicken broth enhances the sauce, but store-bought broth works well too.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Bowtie Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Italian Chicken Recipe, Skillet Chicken Pasta