Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta

When the creamy, rich aroma of this dish fills your kitchen, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy Italian trattoria. Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce tossed with bowtie pasta, all coming together in about 30 minutes. This recipe shines through with its blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect comfort food.

This dish is ideal for families or couples looking for a delightful weeknight meal. Prepare it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress someone. If you have leftovers, store them for up to three days in the fridge for a quick reheatable lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It features tender, golden-brown chicken that adds robust flavor.
• The silky cream sauce envelops the pasta, creating a satisfying texture.
• It’s a quick, one-pan dish that minimizes cleanup effort.
• Sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of tangy sweetness to balance the creaminess.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a delicious meal:

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Pasta

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

For the Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, oil-packed, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional

For Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Use fresh chicken for better flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.
• Use low-fat milk for a lighter cream sauce.
• Any pasta shape will work if you don’t have bowtie.
• Basil can substitute parsley for garnishing.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your dish:

Cook the Pasta

Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Season the Chicken

Season thinly sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage for flavor.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil or butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and the garlic is slightly golden.

Prepare the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. This adds depth to your sauce. Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together in the sauce until evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta warm.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the cream sauce does not freeze well.
Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the chicken is cooked until golden brown for the best flavor.
• Stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan as it thickens.
• Fresh herbs will enhance the dish’s flavor; add them just before serving.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer sauce texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp, green side salad and vinaigrette.
• Serve with garlic bread for a classic Italian dining experience.
• Drink a chilled white wine to complement the creamy flavors.