Print

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Print Recipe

This Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta features tender chicken atop bowtie pasta coated in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and patted dry
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 6 oz Velveeta cheese, chopped
  • 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 pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and 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: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, Cajun seasoning if using, and salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  4. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.
  5. Build the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Add the Velveeta cheese in pieces and stir until it melts into a smooth sauce.
  6. Add the cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, mixing until the sauce thickens. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Toss with pasta: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the cheese sauce, using more reserved pasta water if needed.
  8. Serve with chicken: Slice or leave the seared chicken whole and serve it on top of the tossed pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Cut chicken into even thickness for uniform cooking. Keep the heat moderate once cheeses are added to prevent separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, chicken, cheesy, comfort food, easy recipes

Find it online: https://saveurmagique.com/cheesy-garlic-chicken-bowtie-pasta/