Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

I whipped up this creamy bow tie pasta with garlic chicken one night when I needed something tasty but didn't have much time. There's something magical about those cute bow ties swimming in garlicky sauce while chunks of juicy chicken and bright veggies make every forkful count. It's now my trusty standby when dinner needs to be quick but I still want everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes This Dish Special

The beauty of this meal is how everything cooks in a single pan so there's hardly any washing up after. You get this amazingly smooth, rich sauce and those playful bow tie pasta shapes that always bring smiles. We never get bored since it's so easy to toss in different vegetables or spices depending on what we're in the mood for that night.

Ingredients You'll Want

• Olive Oil: Just a splash to get your chicken nicely browned.
• Chicken: Chopped into small chunks for faster cooking time.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds wonderful richness without overdoing the saltiness.
• Purple Onion: Brings a natural sweetness that ties everything together.
• Tricolor Peppers: They add fantastic color and fresh flavor to the mix.
• Garlic: Taking time to mince fresh cloves really pays off.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the foundation of our silky sauce.
• Milk and Cream: The duo that creates that irresistible creaminess.
• Bow Tie Pasta: Their unique shape catches sauce in every little fold.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring all flavors to life.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts much better than pre-packaged.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Warm your oil and butter in a hot pan then toss in chicken pieces until they turn golden on the outside while staying tender inside around 6 minutes.

Step 2: Create Your Flavor Foundation

Toss in onion and peppers and cook until they've softened nicely. Then add garlic just long enough for its aroma to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Make Your Sauce

Add broth milk and cream and watch as they blend into something utterly delicious.

Step 4: Add Your Pasta

Put bow ties directly into the sauce then cover and let bubble gently occasionally stirring to prevent anything from sticking.

Step 5: Finish The Dish

Mix in parmesan until completely melted return chicken to the pan and sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving.

Customization Ideas

• Throw In Extra Vegetables: Tossing in some peas or halved cherry tomatoes adds wonderful pops of color.
• Experiment With Seasonings: A tiny bit of Cajun spice can transform the whole dish.
• Try Different Cheeses: Bold Pecorino or stretchy mozzarella can create totally new experiences.
• Swap Your Protein: This works wonders with shrimp or grab rotisserie chicken when you're super rushed.
• Make It Without Gluten: Gluten free bow tie pasta works perfectly in this recipe.

Storage Tips

• Cool And Refrigerate: Stays good for 3 days in the fridge and makes fantastic next-day lunches.
• Heat It Properly: Pour in a little milk while warming to bring your sauce back to its creamy glory.
• Don't Even Try Freezing: I've learned the hard way that cream-based sauces just don't do well in the freezer.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cut Chicken Uniformly: Similar sized pieces will cook at the same rate for perfect doneness.
• Mind Your Pasta Texture: You want it soft but still with a slight bite to it.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Real minced garlic and freshly grated cheese truly transform the flavor.
• Sauce Consistency Tricks: Keep extra milk nearby to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Never Stop Stirring: Regular attention prevents annoying sticking and burning.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish goes wonderfully with a basic green salad tossed on the side. Don't forget some crusty garlic bread for mopping up that amazing sauce. Add a chilled glass of white wine and suddenly your weeknight dinner feels like a special occasion.

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Common Questions

→ Can I swap out the pasta type?

Absolutely! Choose a medium-sized pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli. Stick to the same cooking time for best results.

→ What if my sauce feels too thick?

Just stir in a bit more milk. Add a little at a time until it’s the right consistency, since pasta keeps soaking up sauce as it cools.

→ Can I skip the heavy cream?

You can! Replace it with milk. It won’t be as rich, but it’ll still taste great.

→ Can I try adding different veggies?

Of course! Zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms work well. Just adjust the cooking time depending on how quickly your veggies cook.

→ How should I store the extras?

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. When reheating, mix in a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Final Thoughts

In just half an hour, create a one-pan dish packed with juicy chicken, bow tie pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, enhanced by sweet peppers and savory onions.