Chicken Asparagus Bow Ties: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken asparagus bow ties: Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner! Imagine tender chicken and vibrant asparagus, perfectly coated in a creamy, dreamy sauce, all nestled amongst playful bow tie pasta. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate, ready in under 30 minutes.

While the exact origins of this particular combination are somewhat modern, the concept of pairing chicken and vegetables with pasta has deep roots in Italian-American cuisine. It’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something truly special. Think of it as a distant cousin to classic Alfredo, but with a lighter, brighter twist.

So, why is chicken asparagus bow ties such a crowd-pleaser? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken provides a satisfying protein base, the asparagus adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, and the creamy sauce ties everything together in perfect harmony. Plus, the bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, isn’t just cute; its shape helps to capture all that delicious sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s quick, easy, and undeniably delicious – the trifecta of weeknight dinner perfection! I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Asparagus:
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Bow Tie Pasta:
• 1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
• For the Creamy Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
2. Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them – I like a little kick!), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly seasoned. Don’t be shy with the seasonings; they really make a difference!
3. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it, and we want a nice golden-brown color.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later.

Cooking the Asparagus

1. Next up, the asparagus! In the same skillet (no need to wash it, those chicken bits add flavor!), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the trimmed and chopped asparagus to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender-crisp. You want it to be slightly softened but still have a bit of bite. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set it aside with the chicken.

Cooking the Bow Tie Pasta

1. While the chicken and asparagus are cooking, let’s get the pasta going. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
3. Add the bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not hard.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Don’t rinse it unless you’re not using it right away. Rinsing removes some of the starch, which helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Making the Creamy Sauce

1. Now for the star of the show: the creamy sauce! In the same pot you cooked the pasta in (or a large saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The roux is the base of our sauce and helps to thicken it. It should be smooth and slightly golden.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, making sure to incorporate each addition fully before adding more. This prevents lumps from forming.
4. Once all the milk is added, whisk in the chicken broth.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I usually add a little extra Parmesan for good measure!

Assembling the Dish

1. Add the cooked chicken and asparagus to the creamy sauce. Stir gently to combine.
2. Add the drained bow tie pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Chicken Asparagus Bow Ties recipe is truly a weeknight winner, and I genuinely believe it deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Why? Because it’s a delightful combination of creamy comfort and fresh, vibrant flavors, all coming together in a dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. We’re talking about tender chicken, perfectly cooked asparagus, and those adorable bow tie pasta shapes, all coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce. What’s not to love?

But beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the top before serving elevates the dish to a whole new level of cheesy goodness. You could even try using different types of pasta – penne, rotini, or even farfalle would work beautifully. And if you’re looking to add even more vegetables, consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Serve it as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with a simple side salad for a lighter option.
• For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
• To make it a vegetarian dish, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to speed up the process.
• For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
• Leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day – just reheat gently and enjoy!

I’ve poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies both your cravings and your need for something quick and easy. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables for picky eaters (those bow ties are just so darn appealing!).

Now, it’s your turn! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Chicken Asparagus Bow Ties recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Cooking should be fun and creative, so let your imagination run wild!

And most importantly, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos, comments, and feedback in the comments section below. Your insights are invaluable, and they help me to create even better recipes in the future. Plus, it’s always inspiring to see how others are enjoying my creations. So, go ahead, get cooking, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!

I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures with this recipe. Remember, the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones, so gather your family and friends, whip up a batch of this delicious Chicken Asparagus Bow Ties, and create some unforgettable memories together. Bon appétit!

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