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Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

A cozy and indulgent weeknight dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce infused with garlic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 lb bowtie pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste.
  2. Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Cook the pasta. In a large pot, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Sauté the garlic. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.
  5. Make the roux slurry. Whisk together the 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup milk in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the slurry into the skillet with the garlic.
  6. Add liquids and simmer. Gradually stir in the 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.
  7. Melt the cheeses. Add the 4 oz cream cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella to the sauce, stirring until melted. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Combine pasta and chicken. Toss the cooked bowtie pasta and chicken into the sauce until well coated.
  9. Finish and broil. Transfer to an ovenproof dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly and lightly browned.

Notes

Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mozzarella Chicken, Bowtie Pasta, Cheesy Cream Sauce, Comfort Food, Garlic Chicken