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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce

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A warm and comforting dish featuring tender chicken and bowtie pasta in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce with a garlic and Cajun kick.

Ingredients

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  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick chunks
  • 10 oz bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.
  2. Season the chicken. While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken chunks dry and season evenly with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook until golden brown, then flip and cook until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Sauté the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.
  5. Make the cream sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth.
  6. Combine pasta and chicken. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, mixing well to coat with sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.
  7. Adjust and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For spicier flavor, increase Cajun seasoning; for a cheesier finish, stir in extra mozzarella or Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy, garlic, chicken, pasta, creamy, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://recipehappy.com/cheesy-garlic-butter-chicken-bowtie-pasta-creamy-sauce-2/