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Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta

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A cozy weeknight meal featuring tender chicken and bowtie pasta in a creamy garlic cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into whole breasts or thick cutlets
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 6 oz Velveeta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, Cajun seasoning if using, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside to rest.
  4. Melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the Velveeta cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Then add the mozzarella and Parmesan, mixing until the mixture thickens.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve the pasta topped with the seared chicken and garnish as desired.

Notes

For a spicier dish, keep the Cajun seasoning. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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

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