Farfalle with Chicken and Veggies: A Weeknight Wonder

There’s a certain magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. For me, that magic is embodied in this farfalle with chicken and veggies. I remember one particularly chaotic week, juggling deadlines and family commitments, when the fridge seemed bare and my energy was even lower. Digging through my pantry, I found a box of farfalle and a jar of good quality spaghetti sauce. A quick glance into the crisper drawer revealed a colorful medley of zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper, along with some chicken tenders. In less than an hour, a vibrant, satisfying meal was on the table, a testament to how delicious home cooking can be, even on the busiest of nights. It’s now a staple in my repertoire, a reminder that culinary success doesn’t always require hours of labor or exotic ingredients.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6 to 8
• Yield: Enough for 6-8 people
• Dietary Type: Not specified (can be adapted)

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients, and let’s transform them into a delicious meal. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so feel free to adjust the vegetable quantities to your liking.

• 16 ounces farfalle pasta (also known as bow tie pasta)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast tenders
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 medium yellow squash, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (I often use the pre-minced variety from a jar for convenience, but fresh is always a wonderful option too!)
• 2 (26-ounce) jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Equipment Needed

This recipe relies on some common kitchen staples:

• A large pot for cooking the pasta
• A large skillet or sauté pan
• Measuring spoons and cups
• A chef’s knife and cutting board
• A colander

Instructions

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward preparation. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on your table in no time.

1. Cook the Farfalle: Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 16 ounces of farfalle pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well. Set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound of chicken breast tenders to the hot oil. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s thoroughly cooked through and no pink remains. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste as it cooks.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, add the 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, the chopped medium zucchini, chopped medium yellow squash, chopped medium red bell pepper, and the 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the chicken.

4. Cook the Veggies: Continue to cook the vegetables for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often. You want the vegetables to become tender-crisp, retaining a slight bite.

5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Pour in the 2 (26-ounce) jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce. Stir everything together to combine the chicken, vegetables, and sauce. Allow the sauce to heat through until it’s nice and hot, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

6. Serve: To serve, place a generous portion of the cooked farfalle pasta onto each plate. Ladle the chicken and vegetable sauce mixture over the pasta. Finish with a liberal dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate this already delightful dish, here are a few chef-inspired tips:

• Pasta Perfection: Always salt your pasta water generously; it’s the primary way to season the pasta itself. Cook the farfalle just until al dente – it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
• Chicken Searing: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear, which adds flavor and prevents the chicken from steaming.
• Vegetable Prep: For uniform cooking, try to chop your vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they all reach the perfect tender-crisp texture at the same time.
• Sauce Shortcut: While jarred spaghetti sauce is convenient and delicious, consider doctoring it up. A pinch of dried oregano, basil, or a splash of red wine can add an extra layer of complexity.
• Garlic Goodness: If using fresh garlic, mince it very finely. If you’re sensitive to raw garlic flavor, add it a minute or two earlier in the sautéing process to mellow its intensity.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This farfalle with chicken and veggies is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some crusty Italian bread to sop up any leftover sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the pasta can become mushy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious pasta dish:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	571.4 kcal	29%
Total Fat	13.8 g	18%
Saturated Fat	2.6 g	13%
Cholesterol	51.1 mg	17%
Sodium	646.4 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	80 g	29%
Dietary Fiber	7.4 g	26%
Sugars	17 g	34%
Protein	30.6 g	61%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, particularly the brand of spaghetti sauce.

Variations & Substitutions

The adaptability of this dish is one of its greatest strengths:

• Vegetable Swap: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like broccoli florets, chopped carrots, peas, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables earlier in the sautéing process.
• Protein Alternatives: Instead of chicken, try using sliced Italian sausage (remove from casing and brown), shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can chop your vegetables and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and then combine and heat with the sauce and cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Q: What kind of chicken is best to use?
A: Chicken breast tenders are quick and easy to cook. You could also use thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

Q: How can I make the sauce more robust?
A: Simmering the sauce for a longer period on low heat can deepen its flavor. Adding a bay leaf or a sprig of rosemary while it simmers also adds a lovely aroma and taste.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While farfalle holds sauce beautifully, penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well. Just ensure you cook it to al dente.

Q: Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Omit the chicken and increase the variety and quantity of vegetables. You could also add plant-based protein like chickpeas or white beans.

Final Thoughts

This farfalle with chicken and veggies is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, wholesome food to nourish and delight. It’s the kind of dish that brings families to the table and sparks conversation, a reliable friend in the kitchen for those moments when time is short but the desire for good food is strong. I encourage you to give it a try, to play with the ingredients, and to make it your own. And if you’re looking for a perfect accompaniment, a glass of crisp, dry white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light-bodied red like a Beaujolais, would be an excellent choice. Happy cooking!