Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

1. 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2. 1 tbsp olive oil

3. 4 tbsp butter, divided

4. 4 cloves garlic, minced

5. 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

6. 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

7. 1/4 tsp black pepper

8. 1 lb bowtie pasta

9. 4 cups heavy cream

10. 4 oz cream cheese, softened

11. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping

12. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

13. Salt to taste

14. Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice

Directions:

1. Boil Pasta:

1.1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook Chicken:

2.1. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2.2. Add chicken, season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.

3. Make Sauce:

3.1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

3.2. Pour in heavy cream, add cream cheese, and whisk until smooth. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and thick. Adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Combine Pasta and Chicken:

4.1. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until coated in the cheesy garlic butter cream sauce.

4.2. For extra heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes.

5. Serve:

5.1. Serve warm, topped with extra mozzarella and parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 780 per serving