The Best Homemade Pasta Milano Recipe
Weeknight dinners just got a major upgrade with this comforting and flavorful Pasta Milano. Featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy Parmesan basil sauce, this dish is pure comfort food at its finest.
The velvety sauce, infused with garlic and onions, beautifully coats every bowtie pasta, delivering a burst of rich flavors in every bite. With easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients, it’s perfect for busy evenings or a cozy family meal.
Leftovers? Don’t count on it lasting long! This irresistible recipe is so good, you’ll find yourself sneaking extra servings before anyone else gets a chance. It’s a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Pasta Milano Ingredients: The Flavors Behind the Dish
- Chicken: Tender bites of chicken provide a hearty and satisfying base, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce.
- Mushrooms: Earthy and savory, these bring depth and richness to every bite.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy bursts of flavor add a vibrant contrast to the creamy elements.
- Parmesan Cheese: The star of the sauce, lending a nutty, savory touch that ties the dish together.
- Farfalle Pasta: Bowtie-shaped pasta captures the sauce beautifully, ensuring each mouthful is a flavor-packed delight.
Recipe Tips
- Perfecting the Sauce
For a creamy and luscious sauce, let it simmer gently on low heat. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling the half-and-half. If you want a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and gradually stir it into the simmering sauce. - Customizing Flavors
Experiment with ingredients to match your preferences. Can’t find sun-dried tomatoes? Oven-roast fresh ones for a similar tangy sweetness. Adding a splash of dry white wine while cooking the onions enhances the dish’s depth, making it restaurant-worthy. - Timing the Pasta
Cook the pasta just before combining it with the sauce to maintain its texture. Al dente is key for this dish—slightly firm bowtie pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy. Reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
What to Serve with Pasta Milano
- Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic companion. Its robust flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta, making each bite even more indulgent. - Fresh Green Salad
Balance the richness of Pasta Milano with a crisp green salad. Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. - Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers bring vibrant colors and earthy flavors to the table, complementing the pasta’s creamy and savory profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta holds the sauce well, penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine are excellent alternatives. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat Pasta Milano gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or half-and-half to revive its creamy texture without drying it out. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed tofu or additional mushrooms to keep it hearty yet meat-free. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
Pasta Milano
The velvety sauce, infused with garlic and onions, beautifully coats every bowtie pasta, delivering a burst of rich flavors in every bite. With easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients, it’s perfect for busy evenings or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 12 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
- 1 pound Farfalle bowtie pasta
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté for approximately 15 minutes, ensuring it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Transfer the chicken to a separate dish and keep warm.
- In the same pan, combine the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and the mushrooms develop a rich, golden hue.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, butter, chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pour this mixture into the pan and simmer gently, partially covering the pan to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and incorporate it into the sauce, stirring to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Serve the dish immediately while warm.
Notes
For a homemade alternative to sun-dried tomatoes, deseed a fresh tomato, dice it, and bake at 200°F until dried.
To thicken the sauce, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with 1 tablespoon of cold water, mix until smooth, and gradually add to the bubbling sauce while stirring.
A splash of dry white wine can be added while cooking the onions and mushrooms for enhanced depth of flavor.
To thicken the sauce, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with 1 tablespoon of cold water, mix until smooth, and gradually add to the bubbling sauce while stirring.
A splash of dry white wine can be added while cooking the onions and mushrooms for enhanced depth of flavor.
