If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug from the inside, then you absolutely need to try this Creamy Chicken and Bowtie Pasta with Garlic and Peas Recipe. It boasts tender chicken pieces mingling with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy garlic-infused sauce dotted with sweet green peas. Every bite delivers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in creating that velvety sauce and fresh flavors that elevate this dish from simple pasta to an indulgent meal everyone will love.
- 8 oz bowtie pasta: Its shape holds onto that creamy sauce perfectly for every mouthful.
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick cooking, they keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- 1 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning: Adds a fragrant and savory boost to the chicken.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Provides that essential garlic punch that flavors the entire sauce.
- 2 tbsp butter: Builds richness and helps create the silky sauce base.
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian Dressing Mix: Brings a delicious blend of herbs and tangy notes to the creamy sauce.
- 1¼ cups heavy cream: The heart of the creaminess that defines this delectable dish.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth and thickens the sauce wonderfully.
- ½ cup frozen green peas: Bursts of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color against the creamy backdrop.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Bowtie Pasta with Garlic and Peas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. This ensures a slight bite that holds up beautifully against the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta simmers away, cut your chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces and season them generously with garlic and herb seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces. Cook them until they develop a golden coating and reach an internal temperature of 165ºF, ensuring they’re cooked through but still juicy.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet – the mixture of chicken juices and oil creates a wonderfully flavorful base for your sauce. Once the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and cook it briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, stir in the Italian dressing mix and pour in the heavy cream. Let the sauce gently bubble and thicken over the next 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld all the flavors together.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Peas, and Pasta
To this luscious sauce, add the grated parmesan cheese and frozen green peas. Simmer just until the cheese melts smoothly and the peas heat through, adding vibrant color and a slight sweetness. Finally, stir in your cooked bowtie pasta, making sure every piece is luxuriously coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then remove from heat.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Bowtie Pasta with Garlic and Peas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley announces a pop of green freshness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce. You can also offer extra parmesan cheese on the side for those who love that cheesy punch. Cracked black pepper on top adds a subtle zing that wakes up every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, refreshing side salad brightens the plate and balances the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia can also make excellent companions, offering a toasty crunch that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls, each garnished with a lemon wedge to add an optional citrus kick. Alternatively, arrange the pasta on a large platter with fresh basil leaves scattered on top for an inviting, rustic look that’s sure to draw everyone to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Creamy Chicken and Bowtie Pasta with Garlic and Peas Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy, ready-to-eat meal later in the week.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but to maintain the best texture, freeze it without the peas if possible, adding fresh peas when reheating. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe airtight container and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help refresh the sauce’s creamy consistency. If microwaving, reheat in short intervals, stirring between each to keep everything warm and evenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works beautifully here, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just make sure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well for the best experience.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, with some swaps! Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative in place of heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free parmesan substitute. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious and comforting.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Chicken breasts can be used but tend to cook slightly drier and take a bit longer. Slice them thinly and watch the cooking time carefully to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce-making step can boost nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in after the garlic and before adding the cream to give them a chance to soften.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This Creamy Chicken and Bowtie Pasta with Garlic and Peas Recipe holds up well when refrigerated and reheated, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or dinners ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Bowtie Pasta with Garlic and Peas Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that feels comforting and indulgent without requiring hours of effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and homemade. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite as much as I do!
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Creamy Chicken and Bowtie Pasta with Garlic and Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Noodles recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken tenderloins cooked in a rich garlic and herb cream sauce, combined with bowtie pasta and sweet green peas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying with a homemade touch from Italian dressing mix and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian Dressing Mix
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup frozen green peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces and season them with garlic and herb seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until each side is browned and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Make the Sauce: Add butter to the skillet with the cooked chicken and allow it to melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the Italian dressing mix and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until it thickens.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and frozen green peas into the sauce, simmering until the cheese has melted and peas are heated through. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- You can swap bowtie pasta for any pasta shape like penne or rotini.
- Adding fresh herbs such as thyme or basil can enhance the flavor profile.
- Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF for safety.
- Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh green peas or other vegetables like spinach or broccoli florets for variation.
