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Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta

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A comforting weeknight dinner featuring seared chicken and bowtie pasta in a creamy garlic cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into even pieces
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta, dry
  • 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 until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with garlic powder, Cajun seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown, about 4-6 minutes per side.
  4. Remove the chicken. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest briefly.
  5. Build the garlic base. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  6. Make the creamy Velveeta sauce. Stir in heavy cream and cubed Velveeta, mixing until smooth.
  7. Add the shredded cheeses. Lower the heat, add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Toss pasta with sauce. Add drained bowtie pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water as needed.
  9. Plate and serve. Divide pasta among plates, top with seared chicken, and serve immediately.

Notes

Cooled pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added cream or pasta water.

Nutrition

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

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