Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Warm, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying, Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties bring together tender diced chicken, silky garlic butter cream, and gooey mozzarella tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Each bite gives you a soft, pillowy pasta with a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every fold, while the browned chicken adds a savory contrast. The aroma of melted butter and fresh garlic fills the kitchen as the mozzarella melts into a luxurious blanket of cheese. This dish is ideal for weeknights when you want something quick but impressive, for easy family dinners, or when you need a cozy meal to feed guests without fuss. If you enjoy similar flavor combos, try a handheld option like these cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a portable twist on the same flavors.

Ingredients

8 oz bowtie pasta, dry — Classic short pasta that holds sauce in its creases; cook until al dente.
1 lb chicken breast, diced — Lean protein that browns quickly; dice uniformly for even cooking.
4 tbsp butter — Provides the rich, nutty base and helps brown the chicken.
4 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic gives bright, savory aroma; mince finely so it disperses through the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream — Creates the silky, rich sauce that coats the pasta.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese — Melts into a stretchy, creamy layer; shred fresh for best texture.
1/2 tsp salt — Balances and enhances all flavors; adjust to taste.
1/4 tsp black pepper — Adds gentle heat and depth.
1/4 cup chopped parsley — Fresh herb for color and a bright finish.

If you like bold, buttery pasta dishes, you may also enjoy this hearty garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta for another family favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Reserve a tablespoon of pasta cooking water if you prefer a looser sauce. Tip: Salt the pasta water well so the noodles absorb seasoning as they cook.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Let the butter foam but do not let it burn. Keep the heat moderate so the butter foams and browns slightly without smoking.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure pieces are separated so they brown evenly.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but do not let the garlic brown. Stir constantly during this step to avoid bitterness.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, keeping the heat moderate. Allow the cream to warm through and begin to thicken slightly before adding cheese.
Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce tightens too much, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it for better coating.
Add the cooked pasta, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine so every bowtie is coated in sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more cream. Tip: Toss gently so the pasta shapes stay intact and the sauce clings to the folds.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving and serve hot. For a different presentation, try pairing the dish with a simple side, or roll leftovers in a wrap for lunch, inspired by this deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps idea.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: approx 775 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Keep the heat moderate when melting butter and cream to avoid scorching. If you want a looser sauce, reserve pasta water and add it gradually.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.
Freezing: This dish freezes best without the parsley. Cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove. Texture may change slightly after freezing due to the cream.
Flavor variations using only existing ingredients:
- Extra cheesy: Stir in more mozzarella for a richer, gooier finish.
- Creamier sauce: Add an extra splash of heavy cream in step 7 for a silkier texture.
- Garlic forward: Increase the garlic to suit your taste for more aromatic depth.
- Butter boost: Add another tablespoon of butter while finishing the sauce for a deeper buttery note.
  Explore a related comfort pasta profile with this savory cowboy butter chicken pasta for more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook the chicken?
Cook diced chicken about 6 to 8 minutes over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini will work, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream gives the richest, creamiest sauce. You can reduce the amount slightly, but the texture will be lighter.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add minced garlic after the chicken is mostly cooked and sauté for only about 1 minute over moderate heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook components ahead, then gently reheat and combine before serving to keep textures fresh.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a straightforward way to create a cozy, restaurant-quality meal at home. Give it a try on a busy weeknight or when you want to impress without stress, and feel free to share your photos and tweaks. For another take on mozzarella and garlic butter chicken in a creamy context, see Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream. If you enjoy baked variations with mozzarella, this version is worth a look Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Print Recipe

Warm and comforting, these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties combine tender chicken, garlic butter cream, and gooey mozzarella with bowtie pasta for a cozy meal.

Author: amanda-lewis
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz bowtie pasta, dry
1 lb chicken breast, diced
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a tablespoon of pasta cooking water if desired.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foaming but not burning.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy, adjusting with reserved pasta water if too thick.
Add the cooked pasta, salt, and pepper, tossing to combine until every bowtie is coated.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving and serve hot.