Description

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is a decadent and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a garlic butter sauce, then combined with creamy, melted cheeses and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. The rich sauce blends Velveeta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream for a luscious finish that’s both comforting and indulgent, perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter, divided

Pasta and Sauce

10 oz bowtie pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season evenly with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Return Chicken and Finish Cooking: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the pasta and sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors and reheat the chicken.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the dish hot for a rich and satisfying meal.

Notes

You can substitute Velveeta cheese with processed cheese or increase mozzarella for a similar creamy texture.
For a lighter version, reduce the heavy cream or substitute half with milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level or replace with paprika for a milder flavor.
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor results.