Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Dinner Comfort Dish
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dinner that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious cheesy garlic sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese cubed
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
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.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the creamy base: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Melt the cheeses: Add Velveeta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss until well coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute Cajun seasoning with paprika and cayenne if you prefer less heat.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or extra cream.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.