Cheesy Bow Tie Chicken is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with bow tie pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This family-friendly meal brings together the flavors of garlic, onions, and Italian herbs with the satisfying bite of bow tie pasta and the gooey, melty goodness of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, providing a hearty, delicious meal that kids and adults alike will love. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete dinner that’s as comforting as it is filling.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Chicken:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the cheese sauce.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy chicken mixture. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the Cheesy Bow Tie Chicken hot, with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
This Cheesy Bow Tie Chicken dish is a creamy, satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a favorite in your household, providing comfort and flavor in every bite.
