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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce

Warm, comforting, and impossibly cheesy, this dish brings restaurant flair to your weeknight table with tender chicken in a rich garlic butter cream sauce over bowtie pasta.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and salt and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken and cover.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained bowtie pasta, and toss to coat in the creamy cheese sauce. Simmer briefly for 1 to 2 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Sear the chicken without crowding the pan for a golden crust. Use reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken, bowtie pasta, garlic butter, creamy sauce, comfort food