Creamy Farfalle Pasta Recipe
on Jun 01, 2022
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Creamy Farfalle Pasta makes the perfect easy weeknight meal. It’s deliciously creamy and looks so elegant – no one will guess that you pulled it together in less than 30 minutes.
What is Farfalle?
Farfalle pasta is about an inch long and pinched in the middle. The ends flay out and may be crimped. You probably know farfalle as the bowtie or butterfly pasta.
It’s made from semolina flour, all-purpose flour, and eggs. And when cooked, the center retains an extra bit of bite that adds a terrific texture to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- farfalle pasta
- cooked chicken
- garlic
- brick cream cheese
- ricotta cheese
- salt and pepper
- crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional for serving: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh dill
How to Make Creamy Farfalle Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package. Add the peas for the last 2 minutes. Drain and toss with a small amount of oil to avoid sticking. Set aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken cubes and stir until just crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the cream cheese, ricotta, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until thickened and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat it completely.
- Garnish with grated parmesan and fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips and Timesavers
- This dish comes together quickly, so prepare all of your ingredients ahead of time.
- You can make your garlic paste, buy it in the produce section, or substitute minced garlic cloves.
- The cream cheese melts quicker if it’s cut into cubes first. Room temperature cream cheese and ricotta are easier to mix and cook.
- Using pre-cooked chicken or bacon bits saves time. Pan fry with a bit of oil to crisp, and proceed with the recipe.
- Preparing the sauce while the pasta cooks means the dish should be ready to serve in about 20 minutes.
Ways to Use Farfalle Pasta
This versatile pasta works equally great with a light olive oil and butter base or rich cream, tomato, or pesto sauce. The creamy sauce can also work well for stir-fried veggies or meat.
How Do You Know When Farfalle Is Done?
The best way to know if the pasta is done al dente or firm to the bite is to taste it. Pasta gets gummier the longer it cooks. If it sticks to the wall, it’s probably overdone. Drain al dente pasta promptly.
Is Farfalle Pasta Healthy?
Farfalle is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, providing vitamins, minerals, and energy to our diets. Low carbohydrate pasta is made from ingredients like wheat gluten, egg whites, rice flour, soy products, and salt.
Creamy Farfalle Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound farfalle pasta
- ½ pound cooked chicken, chopped, you can also use cooked bacon bits
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces brick cream cheese, cut into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Optional for Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh dill
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the package. Add the peas for the last 2 minutes. Drain and toss with a small amount of oil to avoid sticking. Set aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken cubes and stir until just crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the cream cheese, ricotta, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until thickened and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat it completely.
- Garnish with grated parmesan and fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This sauce is thicker than a typical Alfredo-style sauce and will cling to the pasta. For a looser sauce, add pasta water or broth.
- Short pasta like rotini, penne, or cavatappi works well.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
