Chicken with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Broccoli, and Bow Tie Pasta is more than just a speedy weeknight meal; it’s a culinary hug that promises to bring smiles around your dinner table. This vibrant and flavorful dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something both quick and utterly delicious.

If you’re searching for an effortless yet incredibly flavorful entree, look no further! This Easy Pasta Dinner Recipe consistently hits all the right notes. Whenever inspiration runs low and I ask my husband for dinner suggestions, this delightful pasta creation is his immediate and enthusiastic answer, almost every single time! It’s a testament to its irresistible charm and ease of preparation.

Chicken with Broccoli, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Bow Tie Pasta in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with fresh herbs.

Why This Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is a Must-Try

Life moves fast, especially with back-to-school schedules or college preparations in full swing. In such times, quick, wholesome, and easy dinners aren’t just a convenience – they’re a necessity. This cherished recipe for Chicken with Broccoli, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Bow Tie Pasta has been a staple in our household for nearly two decades. I first jotted it down from a cooking segment on a talk show, and over the years, it has gracefully evolved into its current, perfected form.

Unanimously Loved: According to my biggest fan (my husband!), this is hands down one of my Best Pasta Recipes. Its consistent popularity means it frequently appears on our weekly menu. When I’m brainstorming dinner ideas, his invariable response is often, “Chicken with Bow-Tie Pasta, please!”
Speedy Weeknight Solution: This entire meal is ready to be devoured in approximately 30-40 minutes. This makes it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when time is precious but you still want to serve a homemade, flavorful dish.
Bursting with Flavor: The sun-dried tomatoes are the secret weapon here. They infuse the dish with a rich, concentrated, sweet, and tangy flavor that elevates ordinary chicken and pasta into something extraordinary. Paired with fresh garlic, savory chicken, and vibrant broccoli, every bite is a delightful experience.
Wholesome and Balanced: This recipe expertly combines lean protein from chicken, essential vitamins from fresh broccoli, and complex carbohydrates from pasta, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal that the whole family can feel good about.
Effortless Elegance: Despite its simplicity, this dish presents beautifully. The colorful medley of ingredients – golden chicken, bright green broccoli, and ruby-red sun-dried tomatoes – makes for an appealing presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

In this hectic season, meals that can be prepared and served in 30 minutes or less are not just in demand; they’re essential for maintaining sanity. This easy chicken pasta recipe perfectly fits that description. All you need to complete this hearty meal is a loaf of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices, and perhaps a simple side salad. Get ready to add this to your collection of favorite easy dinner recipes!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pasta Dish

Crafting this delicious Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Bow Tie Pasta requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, harmonious flavors that make this dish a family favorite. Let’s delve into what you’ll need and a few helpful notes for each.

Chicken with Broccoli Ingredients neatly arranged on a metal sheet pan with labels.

Pantry Staples: Gather your foundational flavors – high-quality butter for richness, extra virgin olive oil for sautéing, dried basil for its aromatic charm, and a good seasoning salt to enhance all the flavors. These basics are crucial for building a strong flavor base.
Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): These charming butterfly-shaped pasta pieces are perfect for holding onto the sauce. Their nooks and crannies ensure every bite is packed with flavor. You can, of course, substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Boneless Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and lean protein. Cut them into uniform cubes or strips to ensure even and quick cooking. You could also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable! It provides an indispensable aromatic foundation for the entire dish. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it makes a huge difference.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These add a subtle warmth and a gentle kick that beautifully balances the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes. Adjust the amount to perfectly suit your palate – a pinch for mild, a generous sprinkle for a bolder taste.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Packed in Oil): These are the star! Sun-dried tomatoes offer an intense, sweet-tart flavor that’s unique. Using those packed in oil often means they are softer and more pliable. Cut them into strips, or for even quicker prep, look for pre-julienned varieties. Drain most of the oil before adding them to the pan, but save a little for extra flavor if desired.
White Wine or Vermouth: A splash of dry white wine or vermouth acts as a fantastic flavor enhancer and deglazes the pan, picking up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a depth of flavor. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, an equal amount of additional chicken broth can be used.
Chicken Broth: I recommend a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth. Brands like Pacific tend to be less salty and provide a clean, rich flavor base for the sauce without overpowering other ingredients.
Fresh Broccoli: Remove the tough stems and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. Fresh broccoli adds a wonderful crisp-tender texture, vibrant color, and a healthy dose of nutrients to the dish. Frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch, but fresh is preferred for texture.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A final flourish of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick that perfectly complements the other flavors. Highly recommended for serving!

Effortless Preparation: How to Create This Delectable Chicken Pasta

Whipping up this Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato and Broccoli Bow Tie Pasta is surprisingly simple, making it ideal for even the busiest home cooks. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Overhead view Chicken in a skillet with garlic, seasonings and sundried tomatoes. — Begin by sautéing chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and a medley of aromatic seasonings.

Chicken in skillet with broccoli. — Begin by sautéing chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and a medley of aromatic seasonings.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Pasta Dish Every Time

Achieving a flawless and incredibly tasty Chicken with Broccoli and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is easier than you think with a few smart techniques. These tips will help you maximize flavor and efficiency, ensuring your meal is a resounding success.

Efficient Workflow is Key: To significantly speed up your cooking time, initiate your pasta water boil simultaneously while you begin prepping your chicken and broccoli. Multitasking in the kitchen is your best friend for quick meals!
Uniform Chicken Pieces: Always cut your chicken breasts into similar-sized cubes or strips. This critical step ensures that all pieces cook through at roughly the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others are still undercooked.
Synchronized Cooking: While your pasta is diligently boiling, seize the opportunity to sauté the chicken and other ingredients in your skillet. This parallel cooking method means both main components will likely finish around the same time, ready to be combined into a cohesive dish.
Embrace Versatility: This particular recipe is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable. Consider it a flexible framework rather than a rigid set of instructions. There are no exact measurements you absolutely must adhere to. Feel free to use a full box of pasta, adjust the amount of broccoli to your liking, or dial up the crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Every ingredient can be increased or decreased to perfectly match your family’s preferences and what you have on hand. I’ll provide a general recipe, and you can confidently tweak away to make it truly yours.
The “No-Brainer” Secret: This Easy Chicken with Broccoli pasta is consistently my husband’s and youngest child’s top favorite meal. They adore it, and they don’t even need to know how incredibly simple and quick it is for me to prepare! It’s a win-win for everyone.
PRO-Tip: Salt Your Pasta Water Generously! This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any pasta dish. Always, always cook your pasta in well-salted water. It should taste distinctly briny, almost like the ocean. This isn’t just for boiling; it’s about seasoning the pasta from the inside out. The salt infuses into the pasta as it cooks, making the final dish infinitely more flavorful. Adding salt after the pasta is cooked will simply sit on the surface and won’t achieve the same delicious result.
Don’t Overcook Broccoli: For optimal texture and nutritional value, cook your broccoli until it’s tender-crisp – still bright green with a slight bite. Overcooked broccoli turns dull and mushy, losing its appeal.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, reserve about half a cup of the starchy cooking water. This liquid can be invaluable for adjusting the sauce consistency later, helping it cling beautifully to the pasta if it becomes too thick.

Overhead view of Chicken with Broccoli, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Bow Tie Pasta in a white ceramic bowl.

Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions

One of the best aspects of this Easy Chicken and Pasta Dinner is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to tailor the dish to your taste, dietary needs, or what you simply have on hand:

Protein Swaps: Not a fan of chicken? Try shrimp, Italian sausage (remove from casing and crumble), or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional profile and flavor with additional vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes are fantastic additions. Add them to the skillet with the broccoli or shortly after.
Herb Power: Beyond basil, consider adding fresh or dried oregano, a pinch of thyme, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end for an extra burst of herbaceous flavor.
Creamy Indulgence: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the very end. This will create a luscious, velvety texture.
Cheese Please: While Parmesan is classic, crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of fresh mozzarella can add a delightful dimension to the finished dish.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the pan.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Pasta

This Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Bow Tie Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple accompaniments can elevate the dining experience:

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Simple Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: If you’re a garlic lover, homemade garlic bread takes this meal to the next level.
White Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio would beautifully complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This delicious pasta dish is not only great fresh, but it also makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prepping your lunches or dinners for the next few days.

Storing Leftovers: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: While technically possible, pasta dishes with creamy sauces or delicate vegetables like broccoli don’t always freeze and thaw perfectly, as the texture of the pasta and broccoli can become mushy. If you choose to freeze, store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make Ahead Components: To save time during the week, you can prep some ingredients in advance:
- Chop the chicken into pieces and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Cut the broccoli florets and store them in the fridge.
- Mince the garlic and store it in a small airtight container.
- Cut the sun-dried tomatoes into strips.
Having these components ready means the actual cooking time will be even faster!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

What is Tuscan Chicken and how does it relate to this recipe?

Traditionally, a “Tuscan sauce” often features a blend of tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and salt, sometimes with cream or spinach. While this recipe doesn’t explicitly call itself “Tuscan Chicken,” it certainly shares many of the vibrant, fresh, and rustic ingredients characteristic of Tuscan cuisine – fresh garlic, fragrant basil, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and quality olive oil. Pairing these robust flavors with tender chicken and pasta creates a similar Mediterranean-inspired profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.

What exactly are Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

As the name implies, sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have had most of their water content removed through drying. While traditionally dried under the sun, modern methods also include dehydrators. This process concentrates their natural sugars and flavors, resulting in intensely sweet, tangy, and chewy deep-red tomatoes. They are available either dried and packed in bags or, more commonly for this recipe, preserved in jars with olive oil, which keeps them soft and flavorful. Their concentrated flavor adds a unique depth to sauces and dishes.

How do I know when my chicken is perfectly cooked?

To ensure your chicken is safe and delicious, it should be opaque and white when you cut into it, with no pink showing in the middle. The most accurate way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and it should register 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can certainly use frozen broccoli in a pinch. There’s no need to thaw it first; simply add it to the skillet as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli might release more water and could have a slightly softer texture than fresh, but it will still be delicious and convenient.

What can I use instead of white wine or vermouth?

If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can easily substitute the white wine or vermouth with an equal amount of additional chicken broth. While the wine adds a subtle layer of complexity, chicken broth will still provide a great liquid base and help deglaze the pan, ensuring all those flavorful bits are incorporated into your sauce.

More Irresistible Entree Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful Chicken with Broccoli and Sun-dried Tomatoes Pasta, you’re in for a treat! Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your dinner board or meal planning Pinterest board for future reference. And for a continuous stream of culinary inspiration, make sure to follow my Meat, BBQ and Entree board. I’d love to hear in the comments: what’s your ultimate easy, go-to dinner recipe? This chicken and pasta dish definitely ranks high on my list!

25 Easy Dinner Recipes from Real Housemoms – A great collection for busy weeknights.
Chicken Crescent Squares from Life Currents – Another family-friendly chicken option.
Chicken with Artichokes and Sun-dried Tomatoes – For more sun-dried tomato goodness.
Penne alla Vodka – A classic pasta dish with a creamy tomato sauce.
Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwiches – A hearty and flavorful sandwich option.
Easy Black Bean Chili – A comforting and protein-packed vegetarian choice.
Spicy Shrimp Fajitas – For a vibrant and quick seafood meal.
Explore more of my Favorite Entree Recipes – A diverse collection for every occasion.

This beloved family favorite entree was originally shared in August 2012. The recipe text and accompanying photos were thoughtfully updated in 2019 to provide an even better cooking experience for you.

Stay connected and never miss a delicious recipe by following me on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag me when you create one of my recipes! If you love the results, please consider leaving a 5-star rating in the recipe card below – your feedback means the world to me.

The Recipe:

Chicken with Broccoli, Sun-dried Tomatoes and Bow Tie Pasta

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
40 minutes

Yield
4 servings

An easy delicious recipe that’s a perfect entree any day of the week!

Ingredients

8 + ounces bow tie pasta
1 tablespoon butter
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes or strips
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
½ cup sun-dried tomato halves*, cut into strips (or use julienned sun-dried tomatoes for quicker prep)
¼ cup white wine or vermouth
½ cup chicken broth
2 heads of broccoli, stems removed and cut into florets
Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

Cook the pasta in well-salted water, drain, and toss with butter.
While pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large saucepan.
Add chicken, garlic, seasonings, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until chicken is nearly cooked through and lightly browned.
Add wine and allow to reduce slightly. Add chicken broth, then broccoli florets. Cover and let steam for 3-4 minutes, stir, then cook till broccoli is tender, but still bright green.
Add bow ties and toss so that juices coat the pasta.
Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

This recipe is very versatile. Add more or less of any ingredients depending on your palate.

Make sure to cook the pasta in well-salted water. It should taste like seawater. The salt will infuse into the pasta as it cooks, enhancing its flavor. Salting after the pasta cooks won’t have the same results.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 367Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 477mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 6gSugar: 4gProtein: 31g

Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

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