Lively Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Peppers
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant and fulfilling one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, al dente bow tie pasta, and a colorful medley of fresh tomatoes and bell peppers. This recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, enriched with Italian seasoning and beloved Kalamata olives. Ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is not only nutritious but also visually appealing. Serve it warm with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
8 ounces (Cooked according to package directions)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
chicken breast tenders
1.5 lbs (Cut into 1 inch pieces)
bell pepper
1 (Chopped (green or red))
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (Fresh)
Italian seasoning
1.5 teaspoons (Dried)
salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
fresh tomato
1 lb (Coarsely chopped)
Kalamata olives
1/4 cup (Pitted and sliced)
Parmesan cheese
To garnish (Freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breast tenders to the skillet and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, placing it on a plate and covering it to keep warm.
3
In the same skillet, add the chopped bell pepper along with the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook while stirring for approximately 5 minutes, or until the bell pepper is tender yet still crisp.
4
Next, incorporate the coarsely chopped fresh tomatoes and Kalamata olives into the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together.
5
Return the cooked chicken and any juices that have accumulated back into the skillet. Stir everything together and heat briefly until hot throughout.
6
Finally, blend the chicken mixture with the cooked pasta in the serving bowl, ensuring everything is well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lively Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta?
It is a vibrant and fulfilling one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, al dente bow tie pasta, and a colorful medley of fresh tomatoes and bell peppers.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of chicken breast tenders.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breast tenders should be cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
What kind of bell peppers should I use?
You can use either a green or red bell pepper, which should be chopped before cooking.
What type of olives are included in the dish?
The recipe features 1/4 cup of pitted and sliced Kalamata olives for a rich, salty flavor.
How many fresh tomatoes are needed?
You will need 1 lb of coarsely chopped fresh tomatoes.
What seasonings are used for the chicken and vegetables?
The dish is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1.5 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How do I cook the bow tie pasta?
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
How long should I cook the chicken?
Sauté the chicken pieces in olive oil for about 7 minutes until they are golden brown.
Should I remove the chicken from the pan after cooking?
Yes, once golden brown, remove the chicken and keep it covered on a plate to maintain warmth.
How long should the bell peppers be sautéed?
Cook the chopped bell peppers with garlic and seasonings for approximately 5 minutes until tender yet crisp.
When do I add the tomatoes and olives?
Add the tomatoes and olives after the bell peppers are tender and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
What is the final step for the sauce?
Return the cooked chicken and its juices back into the skillet to heat through with the vegetables.
How is the dish assembled?
Blend the chicken and vegetable mixture with the cooked pasta in a large serving bowl until well combined.
What is the recommended garnish?
Serve the dish immediately with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete and balanced meal featuring protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one dish.
Can I use different types of chicken?
While chicken tenders are suggested, you can use chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as an ideal meal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic.
Can I substitute the Kalamata olives?
If you do not like Kalamata olives, you can use black olives or omit them, though the flavor profile will change.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, the recipe calls for coarsely chopped fresh tomatoes with the skins on.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, with a tag for 'quick meal,' it is designed for a fast and efficient cooking process.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Check the pasta 1-2 minutes before the package's recommended time to ensure it still has a slight bite.
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, zucchini or spinach would make great additions to the vegetable medley.
Should the chicken be seasoned before cooking?
The recipe adds seasonings to the skillet with the peppers, but you can lightly salt the chicken beforehand if desired.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
It is intended to be served immediately while warm.
What is the texture of the bell peppers?
The peppers should be cooked until they are tender but still retain a bit of crispness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.