This Creamy Chicken & Bow-Tie Pasta combines tender chicken, rich cream, and nutty Parmesan with the playful shape of farfalle pasta. Sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of sweetness, while lightly steamed broccoli gives freshness and color. It’s a one-pan-style dish that’s quick to make but feels indulgent—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: ~35 minutes

Ingredients

500g chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

250g bow-tie (farfalle) pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Broccoli florets, steamed (for serving)

Instructions

Cook Pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through.

Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make Sauce
Lower heat, pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

Combine Pasta & Chicken
Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.

Adjust Seasoning
Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Serve with Broccoli
Arrange steamed broccoli on the plate alongside pasta or fold into the dish.

Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips

Cut chicken evenly for uniform cooking.

Don’t overcook pasta—finish in sauce if needed.

Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling.

Toast garlic lightly for a sweeter flavor.

Add Parmesan gradually—prevents clumping.

Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if too thick.

Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor.

Steam broccoli separately to maintain color and crunch.

Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta.

Serve immediately—sauces thicken as they cool.

Variations

Spinach Addition – fold in fresh spinach at the end.

Mushroom Version – sauté mushrooms with chicken.

Spicy Kick – add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Cheesy Upgrade – mix in mozzarella or Asiago.

Lemon Zest – brighten the flavor with lemon juice and zest.

Bacon Bits – sprinkle crispy bacon for texture.

Whole-Wheat Pasta – healthier alternative to regular pasta.

Cream Substitute – use coconut cream for dairy-free option.

Herb Swap – try basil, thyme, or oregano.

One-Pot Version – cook pasta directly in sauce with broth for faster cleanup.

Q&A

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw before cooking for even results.

Can I prepare pasta ahead?
Yes, cook and store separately; reheat in sauce.

Can I skip sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, or substitute roasted red peppers.

Can I use skim milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

How do I prevent sauce from splitting?
Keep heat medium-low and stir constantly.

Can I add more veggies?
Yes, broccoli, bell peppers, or peas work well.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, sauce may thicken slightly when reheated; add a splash of milk.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms.

How should it be stored?
Refrigerate in airtight container for 2–3 days.

Nutrition

(Approx. per serving)

Calories: 450–500 kcal

Protein: 35–40 g

Carbohydrates: 35–40 g

Fat: 18–22 g

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken & Bow-Tie Pasta is a satisfying, flavorful meal that balances indulgent creaminess with fresh vegetables. Quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough to serve to guests, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to many tastes and dietary preferences.