You know those nights when you need dinner on the table fast, but you still want something that feels a little special? This chicken and bow tie pasta is my go-to for exactly that. It’s quick, it’s packed with flavor, and—bonus—it looks so pretty with those little pasta bows twirling around on the plate. My kids call it “fancy pasta night,” but honestly? It’s one of the easiest meals I make. Just toss some juicy chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach with garlic and Parmesan, and boom—dinner’s done in 25 minutes flat. Perfect for when you’re racing between soccer practice and homework, but still want a meal that tastes like you fussed.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
This recipe has been my weeknight hero for years, and here’s why it’ll become yours too:
- Speedy salvation: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes—perfect for those “I forgot to meal plan” panic moments
- Flavor bomb: The garlic-Parmesan combo coats every nook of those cute bow ties, while juicy tomatoes burst with sweetness
- Healthier than takeout: Packed with lean protein and sneaky greens (shhh, kids won’t notice the spinach!)
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap chicken for shrimp, use whatever pasta’s in your pantry, or throw in extra veggies from your fridge drawer
It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for date night but easy enough for exhausted Tuesday evenings when cooking feels impossible. Trust me—one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta
Gathering everything for this recipe is half the battle—luckily, these simple ingredients come together fast! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bow tie pasta (2 cups dry): Also called farfalle—those cute little bow shapes hold sauce beautifully. Whole wheat works great too!
- Chicken (1 lb fillet): I always buy boneless skinless breasts and dice them myself for juicier bites
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Good quality makes a difference here—don’t skimp!
- Fresh garlic (3 cloves): Minced fine. Jarred works in a pinch, but fresh is best
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Halved—their sweet pop balances the savory chicken
- Baby spinach (1/2 cup): Packed tight—it wilts down to practically nothing
- Parmesan (1/4 cup grated): Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded
- Salt & pepper (1 tsp/½ tsp): Basic seasoning magic
Pro tip: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or swapping Parmesan for Pecorino Romano. The pasta police won’t come after you—promise!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—this recipe doesn’t call for any fancy gadgets! Just grab these kitchen basics:
- Large skillet: My trusty 12-inch pan gives everything room to sizzle without crowding
- Medium pot: For boiling those adorable bow ties to al dente perfection
- Wooden spoon: Gentle enough for stirring without scratching pans
- Chef’s knife: For quick chicken dicing and garlic mincing
- Colander: Essential for draining pasta (my kids love watching the bows waterfall out!)
See? Nothing weird—just the usual suspects from your kitchen drawers!
How to Make Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta
Okay, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to pour yourself a glass of wine (though I highly recommend doing that too). Here’s exactly how I make it, with all my little tricks for perfect results every time:
Cooking the Pasta
First, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil—like, really salty, it should taste like the sea. Toss in your bow ties and set a timer for 9 minutes (or 1 minute less than the package says). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want them al dente—still with a tiny bite—because they’ll cook more later. Drain, but save ½ cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency later!
Preparing the Chicken
While the pasta bubbles away, heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan! Let it get nicely browned on one side before stirring, about 3 minutes. Flip pieces and cook until no pink remains (5-7 minutes total). Season with salt and pepper—I sometimes add a sneaky pinch of garlic powder here too for extra flavor.
Combining Ingredients
Lower heat to medium, push chicken to the skillet’s edges, and add minced garlic to the center. Let it sizzle for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Toss in tomatoes and spinach, stirring until greens wilt (about 2 minutes). Now add the drained pasta back in along with Parmesan. Pour in some reserved pasta water if needed to help everything coat evenly. Give it one final toss—you want every bow tie dressed in that garlicky, cheesy goodness!
That’s it! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately while it’s piping hot. Watch how fast it disappears!
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta
After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tricks for the best results:
- Pasta water is key: That starchy liquid you reserved? Add it a tablespoon at a time to create the silkiest sauce that clings to every bow tie
- Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make it grainy—freshly grated melts like a dream
- Don’t skip the garlic sizzle: 30 seconds is the sweet spot—any longer and it turns bitter
- Undercook the pasta slightly: It keeps cooking when you toss it with the hot ingredients
- Taste before serving: Sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon to make flavors pop
These tiny details take this from “good” to “where-has-this-been-all-my-life” delicious!
Variations to Try
One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily it adapts to whatever’s in your fridge or what you’re craving. Here are some delicious twists we love:
- Protein swap: Substitute the chicken with shrimp (add them last—they cook in just 2-3 minutes!) or even crispy bacon for a smoky twist
- Veggie boost: Swap spinach for kale or arugula, or toss in sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or splash of hot sauce transforms it into a spicy delight
- Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone at the end for extra richness
The possibilities are endless—make it your own! My kids love when I add sweet peas for extra color.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and bow tie pasta shines brightest when served family-style—just plop the whole skillet right on the table with a big wooden spoon and watch everyone dig in! For the full Italian trattoria experience, I always pair it with warm, buttery garlic bread (perfect for scooping up any stray Parmesan crumbs) and a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. On busy nights? Just grab some crusty bread and call it a meal—no judgment here!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you—this pasta actually gets even tastier as the flavors mingle! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always go for the skillet method: just splash in a tablespoon of water or broth, cover, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The microwave works in a pinch too—just zap it for 30-second bursts and stir between each to prevent hot spots. Pro tip: A quick drizzle of fresh olive oil after reheating brings everything back to life!
Nutritional Information
While exact nutrition facts will vary based on your specific ingredients, here’s a general idea per serving: This chicken and bow tie pasta clocks in around 350 calories per cup, with 25g of protein from the chicken and cheese. It’s got 3g of fiber from the whole wheat pasta and veggies—not too shabby for such a comforting dish! Remember, these are estimates—your mileage may vary depending on exact measurements and any customizations you make. Either way, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t leave you hungry an hour later!
FAQ About Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Recipes
Over the years, I’ve gotten some great questions about this recipe—here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I freeze chicken and bow tie pasta?
Technically yes, but honestly? I don’t recommend it. The pasta gets mushy upon thawing, and the spinach turns into a sad, wilted mess. This dish shines brightest fresh! If you must freeze, undercook the pasta slightly and expect to revive it with extra olive oil after reheating.
What’s the best pasta substitute if I can’t find bow ties?
Fusilli or penne work beautifully—anything with nooks to catch the sauce! For gluten-free options, I love brown rice farfalle or chickpea rotini. Just adjust cooking times based on package instructions.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
My golden rule: dice it small (1-inch pieces) and don’t overcook! Remove it from heat when it’s just barely done—it’ll finish cooking when you toss everything together. Brining the chicken for 15 minutes in saltwater beforehand also works wonders. For more tips on cooking chicken, check out these quick and easy rotisserie chicken recipes.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Cook everything except the spinach, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the mixture and stir in fresh spinach—it’ll wilt perfectly without getting soggy.
25-Minute Chicken Bow Tie Pasta Recipe – Irresistible & Easy!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious chicken and bow tie pasta recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bow tie pasta
- 1 lb chicken fillet, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and spinach, stirring until spinach wilts.
- Mix in the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything well and serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: chicken bow tie pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner
