Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Recipes: 5 Flavorful Twists

By:

Christina R. Jones

September 22, 2025

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When it comes to quick, delicious meals, chicken and bow tie pasta recipes are my go-to! This dish is not only simple but also bursting with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I remember the first time I made this; it was one of those chaotic evenings when I had just an hour to whip something up for dinner. With just a few fresh ingredients and a little bit of love, I created a meal that quickly became a family favorite.

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The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust it to fit your tastes or what you have on hand. Plus, it takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish — who doesn’t love that? The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, and vibrant cherry tomatoes creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. And the best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup for me after a long day! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation in no time.

Ingredients for Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Recipes

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delightful chicken and bow tie pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups bow tie pasta – This fun shape holds the sauce beautifully and adds a playful twist to your plate.
1 pound chicken fillet, cubed – Tender, juicy chicken is essential for a hearty meal.
2 tablespoons olive oil – This adds richness and helps the chicken brown perfectly.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Their sweetness bursts in your mouth, balancing the savory chicken.
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated – This brings a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives an aromatic kick that makes the dish irresistible.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Fresh basil for garnish – A sprinkle of this fragrant herb not only looks beautiful but adds a fresh finish.

These ingredients come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please your family or guests. You can always mix things up or add in your favorite veggies, but these basics are what make this recipe shine!

How to Prepare Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Recipes

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process! This is where the magic happens, and I promise you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You want it to taste like the sea! Once boiling, add in the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! Trust me, nobody likes mushy pasta. When it’s ready, drain it and set it aside. A little tip: don’t rinse the pasta; you want to keep that starch for the sauce!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the cubed chicken. Let it cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, cut a piece in half; it should be white and no longer pink inside. If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C). This step is crucial because perfectly cooked chicken makes all the difference!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Add in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. The aroma of garlic filling your kitchen? Absolutely divine! Just keep stirring to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can turn bitter.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now for the fun part! Add the cooked pasta and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet with the chicken and tomato mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is nicely coated in that scrumptious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can be the chef – taste and adjust as needed. If you like it a bit cheesier, sprinkle in more parmesan. Yum!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Finally, it’s time to serve! Transfer the pasta to a large serving dish or individual plates. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh basil leaves for that pop of color and flavor. It adds that lovely aromatic touch. I love to serve this with a side salad and some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Trust me, your family or guests will be raving about this dish!

Nutritional Information for Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Recipes

Knowing the nutritional value of what you’re cooking can be super helpful, especially when you’re trying to balance deliciousness with health! Here’s a rough estimate of what’s in one serving of this scrumptious chicken and bow tie pasta:

Calories: 450
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any modifications you make. For instance, if you decide to add more veggies or use a different type of cheese, the numbers will change a bit. But don’t worry, this dish is still a hearty and satisfying option that won’t weigh you down!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This chicken and bow tie pasta recipe is ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want a homemade meal.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering dish that bursts with flavor in every bite.
One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze! You can savor your meal without the stress of a mountain of dishes waiting for you.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and wholesome carbs from the pasta, this dish offers a balanced meal that’s satisfying without being heavy.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste. This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish. It’s a great way to get everyone excited about dinner!

Tips for Success

To make sure your chicken and bow tie pasta turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that I swear by! These little nuggets of wisdom can elevate your cooking game and ensure a delicious outcome.

Perfectly Cooked Pasta

When it comes to boiling your bow tie pasta, remember to use plenty of salted water. It should taste like the ocean! This step is crucial because it helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Also, set a timer for the cooking time specified on the package, but taste a piece a minute or two before it’s done. You want it al dente — firm to the bite but not crunchy. Trust me, overcooked pasta can ruin the dish!

Don’t Rush the Chicken

Take your time when cooking the cubed chicken. Let it brown nicely, which adds depth to the flavor. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of brown, so give it space! If you’re unsure about doneness, cut into a piece; it should be opaque and no longer pink inside. A meat thermometer can really help here, too — aim for 165°F (75°C).

Season as You Go

Seasoning is key! I like to sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the chicken while it cooks to build layers of flavor. Don’t forget to taste as you go! This is your dish, so adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Yum!

Use Fresh Ingredients

Whenever possible, opt for fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, cherry tomatoes, and basil make a world of difference in flavor. If you can, grab them from your local farmer’s market or grocery store the day you plan to cook. Fresh ingredients make everything taste better and elevate your dish from good to great.

Garnish with Love

Presentation matters, even for a home-cooked meal! A sprinkle of fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s aroma. When serving, don’t be afraid to drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top for that glossy finish. It’s these little details that make your meal feel special!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making a delightful chicken and bow tie pasta dish that’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Variations on Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Recipes

One of the things I love most about this chicken and bow tie pasta recipe is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you have in your pantry or to suit your taste buds. Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

Add More Veggies

Boost the nutrition and flavor by tossing in some veggies! Here are a few ideas:

Spinach: Add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach right before serving. It wilts beautifully and adds a lovely green pop.
Bell Peppers: Sauté sliced bell peppers along with the chicken for a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
Zucchini: Cube or spiralize zucchini and add it to the skillet when you add the garlic and tomatoes for an extra layer of freshness.
Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

Experiment with Different Proteins

If you want to mix things up protein-wise, here are some options:

Turkey: Ground turkey works great if you want a leaner option. Just cook it until browned like you would with chicken.
Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp! Just sauté them for a few minutes until they turn pink, and you have a delicious seafood twist.
Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use cubed tofu. Sauté it until golden and crispy for added texture.

Spice It Up

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, consider adding some spices or sauces:

Italian Seasoning: Mix in a teaspoon or two of Italian seasoning while cooking the chicken for an extra herbaceous flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you like heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the skillet when you add the garlic.
Pesto: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto with the pasta for a rich and aromatic twist. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor!

Cheesy Variations

For the cheese lovers out there, you can never go wrong with more cheese! Here are some cheesy ideas:

Feta Cheese: Crumble some feta on top before serving for a tangy, creamy addition.
Ricotta: Stir in a spoonful of ricotta cheese with the pasta for a creamy texture that elevates the dish.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese types, like mozzarella or gouda, to change things up!

With these variations, you can transform your chicken and bow tie pasta into a new dish every time you make it! Have fun experimenting and finding combinations that your family will adore.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying this delicious chicken and bow tie pasta recipe another day. If you find yourself with any extra, here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty!

First, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. This step is important because putting hot food directly into the refrigerator can lead to condensation and make your pasta soggy. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and bow tie pasta to an airtight container. I always prefer glass containers because they don’t retain odors and heat evenly. Make sure to seal it tightly to prevent any air from sneaking in!

You can store your leftovers in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the containers with the date so you can keep track!

Now, onto reheating! To maintain that lovely flavor and texture, I recommend reheating on the stovetop if possible. Just add a splash of water or olive oil to a pan, throw in the pasta, and heat over low to medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. This method helps to revive the sauce and prevents the pasta from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be sure to cover the container to avoid splatters and stir halfway through for even heating.

And voila! You’re all set to enjoy your chicken and bow tie pasta leftovers without losing that fresh taste. Trust me, reheating it the right way makes all the difference!