One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken &Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Imagine this: tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce, nestled amongst perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all topped with a generous blanket of melted cheese. Sounds divine, right? And the best part? You can create this culinary masterpiece with minimal effort and just one pan! Let’s dive into the world of One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta – a recipe so simple, yet so incredibly satisfying.

The Magic of One Pan Cooking

One-pan recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. They drastically reduce cleanup time, and they allow flavors to meld together beautifully as everything cooks in harmony. This particular recipe takes advantage of this technique, resulting in a creamy, flavorful, and cheesy pasta dish that the whole family will love. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this meal is ready in under an hour!

Why This Recipe Works

• Efficiency: Everything cooks together in one pan, saving you time and effort.
• Flavor: The chicken juices infuse the pasta and sauce, creating a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
• Comfort Food: This dish is the epitome of comfort food – warm, creamy, and cheesy!

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a rundown of the essential ingredients for this one-pan wonder:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick and even cooking.
• Bowtie Pasta: Farfalle (bowtie) pasta is a great choice, but you can use other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that signature garlicky flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides the richness and creaminess of the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, savory flavor to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a gooey, cheesy topping.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a touch of Italian flair.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your own one-pan masterpiece!

1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Pasta and Broth: Add the bowtie pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Place the chicken breasts on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and chicken.
6. Melt the Cheese: Place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, cover the skillet and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for One Pan Perfection

Here are a few tips to ensure your one-pan pasta is a success:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Check the pasta for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Aim for al dente pasta.
• Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: Make sure your skillet is oven-safe if you plan to broil the cheese. If not, transfer the pasta and chicken to an oven-safe dish before adding the cheese.
• Customize Your Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or spinach, along with the pasta and broth.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal

There you have it – a delicious and easy One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and incredible flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the one-pan wonder! Try it tonight and enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal without all the fuss. What are you waiting for? Get cooking!