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 ounces bow tie pasta; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, juiced; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Fast & Flavorful

I absolutely love this Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli! The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente bow tie pasta makes for a delightful meal that's not only satisfying but also visually appealing. I often prepare this dish for family gatherings because it’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s relatively quick to make, allowing me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my loved ones. Trust me, this recipe will become a favorite in your household as it has in mine!

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2026-02-24T08:17:37.215Z

When I first tried to create this Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli, I wanted to find a way to bring out the flavors of each ingredient. I experimented with different seasonings and eventually settled on a garlic and lemon sauce that really enhances the dish. Each bite bursts with freshness, thanks to the broccoli, which I sauté until it's just tender.

One of my favorite tips is to add the broccoli to the pasta water during the last two minutes of cooking. This method not only saves time but also ensures that the broccoli retains its bright color and crisp texture, making the dish visually stunning and delicious!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy garlic and lemon sauce brings out the best flavors
Perfect balance of protein and veggies in every bite
Quick and easy recipe for a delightful weeknight dinner

Mastering the Bow Tie Pasta

Cooking bow tie pasta to the perfect al dente texture is essential for achieving that ideal bite. The pasta should be cooked in well-salted water, and I recommend bringing it to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. This ensures even cooking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check it a minute or two before the package suggests – you want it to have a slight firmness when bitten into. If you find your pasta is overcooked, it may become mushy and lose its appealing shape.

Once the pasta is drained, remember to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. This water acts as a magic ingredient in the final step, helping to bind the creamy sauce to the pasta and chicken. Keep it handy, as it can also rescue a dish that might turn out too dry. Should you forget to set it aside, just make sure to have a bit more chicken broth on hand for added moisture.

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

When sautéing the chicken, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat. This prevents the chicken from stewing in its juices and promotes a nice golden-brown crust. Perfectly cooked chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F. If you're unsure, use a meat thermometer to check. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to allow even browning and cooking.

For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for about 30 minutes before cooking. This not only infuses it with flavor but helps keep it juicy. Alternatively, you can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu, adjusting the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly in a few minutes, while tofu may need about 8-10 minutes.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize this dish by adding nuts like pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of sweetness. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of chili oil can elevate the flavors significantly. You can also swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus or green beans; just be sure to cook them until they retain a bit of crunch.

For serving, I recommend topping the finished dish with freshly grated Parmesan and some fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the presentation. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or garlic bread to round out your meal. If you're making it ahead, the pasta will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just reheat gently with a splash of reserved pasta water to regain the sauce's creaminess.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

8 ounces bow tie pasta
1 pound chicken breast, diced
2 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, for serving

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious Bow Tie Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes, maintaining their bright color.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture, and toss in the cooked pasta. If the mixture is too dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired creaminess. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy your meal with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or incorporating a splash of white wine when cooking the chicken.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli is great for meal prep! You can cook the chicken, broccoli, and pasta in advance and mix them together the day you intend to serve. Store them separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and for a longer shelf life, consider freezing it. When reheating, add a bit of pasta water to maintain the creamy texture.

When freezing, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It’s best to consume it within three months for optimum flavor and texture. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove over low heat. Stir in some additional olive oil or broth to help regain the creamy consistency as it warms.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pasta is sticking together after cooking, this is often due to insufficient stirring or diving straight into a sauce without a touch of oil. To avoid this, make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks and toss it with a bit of olive oil right after draining. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed, ensuring it's mixed well before serving.

If you find the dish lacking in flavor, consider boosting it with seasonings. A pinch of salt or more lemon juice can drastically enhance the flavor profile. It's also worth noting that fresh ingredients tend to bring brighter flavors, so consider opting for fresh garlic over pre-minced options whenever possible. Adjusting your seasoning to taste just before serving is a key step in elevating the overall flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape!

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook it just before serving.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, peas, or even spinach would make great additions.

→ How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use whole grain pasta and reduce the amount of olive oil used.