Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a rich and savory one-pan meal that combines juicy, golden-seared chicken with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce tossed with tender bowtie pasta. This dish is full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s restaurant-quality comfort food made with simple, everyday ingredients. The creamy sauce is loaded with flavor from garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, and it clings perfectly to the bowtie pasta. The chicken stays tender and juicy, and everything comes together in under an hour. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want something cozy, impressive, and satisfying—all in one.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
bowtie (farfalle) pasta
sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
garlic (minced)
chicken broth
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Italian seasoning
red pepper flakes (optional)
olive oil
butter
salt and pepper
fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.

3. In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute.

4. I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. I let it simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.

5. While the sauce simmers, I cook the bowtie pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

6. I add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. I return the sliced chicken to the pan and let everything simmer together for a minute or two.

7. I finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if using) and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4–6 people and takes around 35–40 minutes total. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when I want to cook something extra special without too much effort.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra texture and nutrition. I’ve also swapped bowtie pasta with penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni depending on what I have on hand. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and when I want it extra cheesy, I add a handful of mozzarella to the sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. It’s just as delicious the next day.

FAQs

Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, I use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and drain them well before chopping. They add great flavor to the sauce.

Can I make this with pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. I slice or shred pre-cooked chicken and add it in after the sauce is done, just long enough to warm through.

What pasta shapes work best?

I like bowtie pasta for the look and texture, but penne, rotini, or shells also hold the sauce well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor changes slightly, but it’s still rich and satisfying.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

I keep the heat at a gentle simmer and avoid boiling after adding the cream and cheese. Stirring consistently helps maintain a smooth texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together rich cream sauce, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta in every bite. I love how easy it is to make and how impressive it looks on the plate. Whether I’m making a weeknight dinner or cooking for someone special, this dish never fails to wow.