Grab For Eats If you’re craving a flavorful, hearty pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with taste, look no further than Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe. This creamy, savory pasta features bowtie noodles coated in a rich sauce, mixed with grilled chicken, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty of cheese. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or even a gathering with friends. Whether you’re already a fan of Johnny Carino’s or trying this recipe for the first time, it’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and bring this delicious dish to your kitchen!
Johnny Carino’s Restaurant and Its Popularity
Johnny Carino’s is an iconic name in the world of Italian-American cuisine. Founded in 1997, the restaurant has grown from its original location in Austin, Texas, into a beloved chain with over 70 locations across the United States. Johnny Carino’s is known for its delicious Italian-inspired dishes, including classic pasta, savory meatballs, fresh salads, and more. The restaurant prides itself on offering hearty meals made with fresh ingredients and rich flavors. One of the top picks from their menu is the Bowtie Festival, a comforting pasta dish that has become a fan favorite. If you don’t have a Johnny Carino’s nearby, you can recreate this delicious dish right in your own kitchen!
Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe Ingredients
This pasta dish comes together with a variety of delicious ingredients, each of which adds its own unique flavor and health benefits. Here’s what you’ll need to make the Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe:
Bowtie Pasta (3 Cups): Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is the star of this recipe. Its shape allows it to hold onto sauces and ingredients perfectly, making each bite as satisfying as the last. Plus, pasta is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your day.
Skinless Chicken Breast (1 Pound): Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, making it a healthy and filling addition to this dish. The chicken adds richness to the sauce and balances out the other flavors beautifully.
Butter (8 Tbsp): Butter helps bring together all the flavors of the dish, creating a creamy texture and enhancing the overall taste. While it’s higher in calories, it also provides essential fat for your body to function properly.
Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that’s known for its antioxidant properties. It’s a staple in Italian cooking and helps to sauté the ingredients to perfection.
Sliced Mushrooms (½ Cup): Mushrooms add both flavor and nutrition to this dish. They’re low in calories and packed with antioxidants, fiber, and protein, making them a healthy option for any meal.
Sundried Tomatoes (¼ Cup): Sundried tomatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. They provide a concentrated, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy pasta.
Green Onion (½ Cup): Green onions bring a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor to the dish. They’re also a great source of vitamin K, which supports bone health.
Heavy Whipping Cream (2 Cups): Whipping cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and gives the dish its creamy texture. While higher in fat, it adds that luxurious mouthfeel you crave in a creamy pasta dish.
Paprika (2 tsp): Paprika adds a bit of heat and a beautiful red hue to the dish. It’s also a great source of antioxidants, which can support your overall health.
Romano & Parmesan Cheese (¼ Cup Each): These cheeses are essential for adding bold, savory flavor to your pasta. Parmesan is a classic in Italian dishes, while Romano offers a sharper, more tangy taste.
Blend Seasoning (2 tsp): A simple seasoning blend is all you need to bring out the best in your chicken. It enhances the flavor profile and adds depth to the dish.
Black Pepper Powder (1 tsp): Black pepper adds a little heat and balances out the creamy and savory elements of the dish. It also has some health benefits, such as aiding digestion.
Utensils Required To Make Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe
To make Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe, you’ll need the following utensils:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer for draining the pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan for sautéing vegetables and cooking chicken
- Stirring spoons or spatula for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables and chicken
How to Make Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through how to make Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe step-by-step. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling 5 cups of water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add your bowtie pasta and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the pasta is tender, drain it using a strainer and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken: Take your chicken breast pieces and season them with 2 teaspoons of blended seasoning. Let the chicken rest for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, green onions, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and flavorful.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re browned and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set it aside.
Step 5: Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan and Romano cheeses until they melt into the sauce.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables: Add the cooked vegetables and chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything together and heat it gently on low to combine all the flavors.
Step 7: Add the Pasta: Now, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the pan. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and the vegetables and chicken are evenly distributed.
Step 8: Simmer and Serve: Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10 more minutes on low heat. This helps the flavors to meld together. Once it’s ready, serve it hot and enjoy!
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe
Although Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe is filling on its own, you may want to pair it with a tasty side dish. Here are some great options:
Kale Caesar Salad: A light and crisp salad to balance out the richness of the pasta. Kale is packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a nutritious side dish.
Tomato and Caprese Salad: This fresh, vibrant salad features ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It’s the perfect complement to any Italian dish!
White Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad that adds a bit of crunch and freshness, perfect for cutting through the creamy pasta.
Pesto Green Salad: This salad combines the earthy flavors of pesto with fresh greens, making it a great side to pair with the rich flavors of the pasta.
Balsamic Bruschetta: A flavorful, tangy appetizer that will kick off your meal with a bang. The balsamic vinegar adds a zesty kick that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
Garlic Lemon Roasted Broccoli: Garlic and lemon enhance the natural flavors of the broccoli, making it a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Tomato Sauce or Chili Sauce: For those who like a bit of spice, a side of tomato or chili sauce will add extra flavor and heat to the meal.
Special Occasions for Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe
Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a cozy date night, or a special holiday meal, this dish is a hit. Serve it for a weekend gathering, a birthday celebration, or a holiday feast. It’s also great for weeknight dinners when you want to enjoy a flavorful meal without too much hassle
Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe is So Easy to Make, It’s Amazing!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Stirring spoons or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cutting Board and Knife
Ingredients
- 3 cups bowtie pasta
- 1 lb skinless chicken breast
- 8 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup mushrooms sliced
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes
- ½ cup green onion
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp paprika
- ¼ cup Romano cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp blend seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling 5 cups of water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add your bowtie pasta and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the pasta is tender, drain it using a strainer and set it aside.
- Season the Chicken: Take your chicken breast pieces and season them with 2 teaspoons of blended seasoning. Let the chicken rest for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, green onions, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and flavorful.
- Cook the Chicken: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re browned and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan and Romano cheeses until they melt into the sauce.
- Combine the Chicken and Vegetables: Add the cooked vegetables and chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything together and heat it gently on low to combine all the flavors.
- Add the Pasta: Now, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the pan. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and the vegetables and chicken are evenly distributed.
- Simmer and Serve: Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10 more minutes on low heat. This helps the flavors to meld together. Once it’s ready, serve it hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Spicy Touch – Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to add an extra kick to the dish.
- Creamy Twist – For an even thicker sauce, try adding a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Vegetable Variations – Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, to customize the dish to your taste.
- Make It Extra Cheesy – Add extra Parmesan or Romano cheese for a richer, cheesier flavor.
- Serve with Toppings – Try topping your pasta with freshly chopped basil or a squeeze of lemon juice for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition
Conclusion: Enjoy the Delight of Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe!
With its creamy sauce, savory chicken, and vibrant vegetables, Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Recipe is a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting Italian meal right at home. Enjoy!
