Description
A cozy and indulgent pasta dish featuring bowtie pasta, tender chicken, and a rich mozzarella cream sauce infused with garlic butter and spices.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and combined.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until sauce is creamy and thick. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Optional: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat and top with more mozzarella and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
- Try different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra vegetables.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like fontina or Italian mix.
- To reheat, use stovetop over medium-low heat with added cream or milk to keep sauce smooth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 58g
- Saturated Fat: 32g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
