The Ultimate Copycat Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Pasta: A Flavorful Feast in Under 40 Minutes!

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredible pasta recipe, a spot-on copycat of Johnny Carino’s beloved Bowtie Festival Pasta. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, packed with vibrant flavors and rich seasonings that will transport you straight to Italy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re hosting company, this recipe comes together in under 40 minutes and consistently earns rave reviews. Get ready to add a new favorite to your culinary repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Pasta Copycat

There’s a reason why the original Bowtie Festival Pasta at Johnny Carino’s was such a crowd-pleaser, and this homemade version captures every bit of that magic. Imagine tender bowtie pasta enveloped in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo-style sauce, studded with savory bacon, juicy chicken, sweet onions, and ripe Roma tomatoes, all finished with a distinctive touch of Asiago cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, yet remarkably simple to prepare.

This recipe is my absolute go-to for entertaining because it’s universally loved. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this dish always disappears fast. Its blend of textures and flavors makes it incredibly satisfying, from the perfectly al dente pasta to the succulent chicken and the irresistible creamy sauce. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal and company.

A Taste of Italy, Right at Home

While inspired by an American Italian chain, this copycat recipe brings authentic-tasting, robust flavors into your home kitchen. The careful balance of garlic, onion, and a hint of spice creates a foundation that perfectly complements the richness of the heavy cream and Alfredo sauce. The fresh Roma tomatoes add a burst of acidity and color, cutting through the creaminess, while the bacon provides a delightful salty crunch that elevates every bite. It’s a symphony of tastes that makes this dish truly special.

What is Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Pasta?

For those unfamiliar, Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Pasta was a signature dish known for its combination of bowtie (farfalle) pasta with chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and a creamy Alfredo-style sauce. It was celebrated for its comforting flavors and satisfying heartiness. Our copycat recipe aims to replicate that iconic taste and texture, allowing you to recreate the experience of this beloved restaurant classic right in your own kitchen, any time you crave it.

Gathering Your Ingredients: Essential for Flavorful Success

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. Using fresh, quality components will make a significant difference in the final taste of your homemade Bowtie Festival Pasta.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic pasta dish:

Butter: The foundation for sautéing your aromatics and building a rich flavor base.
Garlic: Minced, essential for that classic Italian-inspired aroma and taste.
Onion: You can use yellow, red, or a sweet onion. Each offers a slightly different profile, but all work wonderfully to add depth.
Bacon: Cooked and diced (or crumbled into bite-sized pieces). The crispy, salty bacon bits are crucial for both flavor and texture. Feel free to use your favorite type of bacon.
Roma Tomatoes: Diced, these add freshness, a hint of sweetness, and a pop of color to the creamy sauce.
Chicken: Cooked and diced. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken or quickly grilling a chicken breast.
Heavy Cream: The secret to the sauce’s luxurious, velvety texture. We never said this recipe was healthy, but it’s absolutely delicious!
Alfredo Sauce: One jar of your favorite classic Alfredo sauce. Using a high-quality jarred sauce makes this recipe incredibly convenient without sacrificing flavor.
Asiago Cheese: Grated. This distinct cheese is key to the unique flavor profile of Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Garlic Salt: Adds another layer of garlic flavor and salinity.
Bowtie Pasta: The star shape of the dish, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes if needed.

The Stars of the Show: Key Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the pivotal ingredients that make this dish shine. The combination of heavy cream and Alfredo sauce forms a robust base, offering a creamy richness that clings beautifully to the pasta. The Asiago cheese, with its slightly nutty and tangy profile, is what truly sets this copycat apart, providing that signature Carino’s taste. While Parmesan is a decent substitute in a pinch, Asiago delivers an unparalleled depth of flavor. And of course, the crispy bacon and tender chicken provide the satisfying protein and savory notes that complete this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Bowtie Festival Pasta

Creating this spectacular Bowtie Festival Pasta is surprisingly simple, broken down into a few easy steps. Follow these instructions carefully for a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Cook the Bowtie Pasta to Perfection: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to your pasta water is crucial for flavoring the pasta from the inside out. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until it is perfectly al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it – not mushy. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before discarding the rest. Set the cooked noodles aside while you prepare the sauce.

Build the Rich and Creamy Sauce: While your pasta is cooking, you can start on the sauce to save time. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic, cooked diced bacon, diced Roma tomatoes, diced cooked chicken, and your spice mixture (salt, pepper, and garlic salt). Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften slightly.
Infuse with Cream and Cheese: Pour the heavy cream into the pan with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine. Add the grated Asiago cheese and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice the cream mixture will begin to gently simmer and slightly reduce, thickening into a luxurious base.
Combine with Alfredo and Pasta: Finally, add the jar of Alfredo sauce to the pan and stir thoroughly until everything is well combined and heated through. Gently fold in the cooked bowtie pasta, tossing until every noodle is coated with the rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Remove from heat immediately and serve this exquisite dish while it’s warm.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the pasta to individual serving plates or a large communal bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional grated Asiago cheese, if desired. Prepare for an instant family favorite!

Expert Tips & FAQs for Your Perfect Pasta Dish

Making this Johnny Carino’s copycat is straightforward, but a few tips and answers to common questions can ensure your dish is absolutely perfect every time.

Common Questions Answered

Can you use rotisserie chicken to make this dish? Absolutely! If you don’t have grilled chicken or don’t want to cook it from scratch, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred or dice it and add it to the sauce as instructed. Pre-cooked chicken strips or canned chicken (drained well) can also work in a pinch.
Do you have to use Asiago cheese in this recipe? The Asiago cheese provides a distinct, slightly sharp, and nutty flavor that is crucial to mimicking the authentic Johnny Carino’s taste. If you can find it, definitely use it! However, if Asiago is unavailable, grated Parmesan cheese is a good substitute. The flavor won’t be identical, but your pasta will still be incredibly delicious. You could also try a blend of Parmesan and a little Pecorino Romano for extra punch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While pasta dishes with cream sauces are generally best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cook the pasta just before serving, then gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if it’s too thick. Combine the hot sauce with the freshly cooked pasta.
What about vegetarian variations? To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace them with sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even some spinach to maintain texture and add extra flavor. Adjust seasonings as needed.
How can I adjust the spice level? The original recipe is mildly spiced. If you prefer a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onions. Taste and adjust to your preference.

Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Meal

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Always aim for al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its texture, which can detract from the overall dish.
Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, using good quality butter, fresh garlic, and a reputable brand of Alfredo sauce will elevate the flavors significantly.
Season as You Go: Taste your sauce as you build it. Adjust salt, pepper, and garlic salt to your liking. Remember, the bacon and Alfredo sauce already contribute some saltiness.
Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil not only adds visual appeal but also a burst of fresh flavor to the rich pasta.
Warm Your Serving Bowls: For an extra touch, warm your serving bowls before dishing out the pasta. This helps keep the pasta warm longer and enhances the dining experience.

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Italian Feast

This Bowtie Festival Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side or a delightful dessert can elevate your dining experience even further. Think of it as creating a full Italian-inspired spread right in your own home.

Classic Pairings

For a well-rounded meal, consider serving your pasta with these fantastic side dishes:

Oven Roasted Broccoli: A simple, healthy, and delicious green vegetable.
Focaccia or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce.
Buttermilk Biscuits: A surprisingly good, comforting addition.
Parmesan Roasted Carrots: Sweet and savory, they add a lovely contrasting flavor.
Feta Corn Salad: A light and refreshing option, especially during warmer months.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette: Always a good choice to balance the richness of the pasta.

Dessert Delights

No great meal is complete without a sweet ending. If you’re looking for dessert recommendations that will impress, I highly suggest these crowd-pleasers:

My famous No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie, a rich and creamy Banoffee Pie, or classic chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

The Official Recipe Card

Here’s the detailed recipe card for your convenience, outlining all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making your very own Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Pasta.

Johnny Carinos Bowtie Festival

This bowtie pasta is SO GOOD! It’s easy to make and loved by everyone!!

Author: Whitney Wright

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

2 oz butter
1 tsp minced garlic
¼ cup yellow onion, – if you have a red onion you can use that instead
¼ cup diced cooked bacon
½ cup diced Roma tomatoes
1 cup diced cooked chicken – I used 1 large chicken breast
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 jar Ragu Alfredo Sauce
¼ cup grated Asiago Cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
½ tsp garlic salt
16 oz bowtie noodles

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the water and set the noodles aside.
While the noodles are cooking start making the sauce. In a heated pan, over medium heat melt the butter. Add the onions. Cook for 2 minutes. Then add the garlic, bacon, tomatoes, chicken, and spice mixture. Cook until onions become translucent.
Add the heavy cream and Asiago cheese to the pan. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, or until you notice the cream mixture has reduced a tiny bit. Add the Alfredo sauce and bowtie pasta. Stir until evenly combined. Remove from heat. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t be too strict with the bacon. I don’t always measure exactly ¼ cup. We like a little extra bacon in ours so feel free to add to your liking.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Pasta Masterpiece

You now have all the tools and knowledge to recreate the legendary Johnny Carino’s Bowtie Festival Pasta in your very own kitchen. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a little love and attention, can create an extraordinary meal. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a special gathering, this creamy, savory, and utterly delicious pasta dish is guaranteed to be a hit. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort and flavor. Happy cooking!

This post was first published September 30, 2017 and was updated April 12, 2020 with new photos.