Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Spinach
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Spinach, perfect for a busy weeknight or a special family dinner. This one-dish meal is packed with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all brought together with a savory sauce. The dish is topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color, making it not only delicious but visually appealing. Easy to prepare and sure to please, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
16 (ounces)
chicken breast
1 (pound, cut into bite-sized pieces)
olive oil
3 (tablespoons)
onion
1 (small, chopped)
red pepper
1 (cup, chopped)
garlic
2 (cloves, minced)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
pepper
to taste
chicken broth
1 (cup)
spinach
0.5 (pound, rinsed and chopped)
Parmesan cheese
0.25 (cup, freshly grated)
parsley
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breast pieces and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the chopped onion, red pepper, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and continue cooking until the chicken is nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped spinach. Stir to combine and cook until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Combine the cooked chicken and spinach mixture with the drained pasta in a large bowl. Toss well to ensure the pasta is coated with the sauce.
6
Serve hot, topping each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Spinach?
It is a flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and vegetables tossed with pasta in a light, savory sauce.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 16 ounces of bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle.
Can I substitute the bow tie pasta?
Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini if bow tie pasta is unavailable.
How should the chicken be prepared?
One pound of chicken breast should be cut into bite-sized pieces and sautéed in olive oil until browned.
What kind of chicken is best for this dish?
Chicken breast is recommended, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier texture.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is designed as an easy recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or a family meal.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken breast pieces should be sautéed in a skillet for about 5 minutes until browned.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The dish includes chopped onion, chopped red pepper, minced garlic, and fresh spinach.
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, you can easily add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes to customize the dish.
How do I prepare the spinach for the sauce?
Use half a pound of fresh spinach, rinsed and chopped, and cook it in the skillet until wilted.
What kind of broth is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chicken broth to create the savory base for the pasta sauce.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute if you want to modify the flavor or make the base vegetarian.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
Yes, the dish is topped with 0.25 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the chicken?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the chicken and vegetables.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente, or firm to the bite.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve the dish hot, topping each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
What garnish is recommended?
Freshly chopped parsley is used as a garnish for a burst of flavor and color.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, you can use frozen spinach; just ensure it is thawed and squeezed dry before adding.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete one-dish meal containing protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
What are the main seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used; just ensure they are cooked through, which may take slightly longer than breasts.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water and toss it immediately with the sauce after draining.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a perfect recipe for a special family dinner that is sure to please.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized as Italian cuisine.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests using 0.25 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the entire dish.
Should the chicken be cut before or after cooking?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces before being sautéed in the skillet.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the minced garlic to the skillet after the chicken has browned, along with the onion and red pepper.
Can I add cream to make the sauce richer?
Although the recipe uses broth, you can add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture.