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Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta

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A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender seared chicken, a velvety cheese sauce, and a bold garlic aroma, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and patted dry
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 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 and set the pasta aside.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, Cajun seasoning if using, salt, and pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken, let rest, then slice or cube.
  4. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté minced garlic over medium heat for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Build the base: Stir in heavy cream, warming gently. Add cubed Velveeta and stir until melted and smooth.
  6. Finish the cheese sauce: Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until thick and smooth. Adjust with reserved pasta water as needed.
  7. Combine and serve: Toss cooked pasta in the cheese sauce. Plate pasta and top with sliced chicken.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken for even cooking, and keep the sauce over low heat while adding cheeses to avoid graininess. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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