A comforting, creamy dish featuring tender chicken and al dente bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a rich cheese sauce.
Author:daniel-kim
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:None
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
10 oz bowtie pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine, simmering for 2 to 3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.