Description
Creamy Alfredo Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Chicken Bites is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken bites with a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce. This delightful recipe features bowtie pasta enveloped in a rich blend of cheeses, making it perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. With its quick preparation time of just 35 minutes, you can easily whip up this crowd-pleaser on busy weeknights. The unique combination of flavors from garlic and Cajun seasoning ensures every bite is bursting with taste, while the creamy texture provides a satisfying experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water just in case.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken bites with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer: Let it sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a nice crust. Flip it over and cook through for another 4-5 minutes. In the last minute of cooking, add half of the minced garlic and toss. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the rest of the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer: Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in Velveeta cubes, mozzarella, and Parmesan: Continue stirring over low heat until thickened into a cheesy sauce.
- Toss cooked bowtie pasta into the sauce: Stir until fully coated; add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
- Serve by placing creamy bowtie Alfredo on one side of each plate: Place seared garlic chicken bites on the other side; spoon extra sauce over top. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg