Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties (Printable Version)
Golden chicken and garlic butter combined with mozzarella cream sauce and bowtie pasta for a cozy dinner experience.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
450 g bowtie pasta
→ Chicken
02 -
680 g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Fats and Oils
03 -
30 g unsalted butter
04 -
30 ml extra virgin olive oil
→ Aromatics and Seasonings
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
07 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
08 -
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 -
1 tsp kosher salt
→ Liquids
10 -
240 ml heavy cream
11 -
240 ml low sodium chicken broth
→ Cheeses
12 -
115 g cream cheese, softened
13 -
90 g shredded mozzarella, divided
14 -
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and sear without stirring for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for approximately 8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to retain juiciness.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
04 -
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk in softened cream cheese until fully incorporated and smooth. Maintain gentle simmer and reduce heat to low.
05 -
Add three-quarters of the shredded mozzarella and all Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until cheese is melted and sauce is glossy and lump-free. Adjust consistency with extra broth if needed.
06 -
Add cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Return the chicken to the skillet and gently fold together. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top, cover, and let melt for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Softening cream cheese before adding prevents lumps for a silky texture.