Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups bowtie pasta, dry; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is comfort in a bowl. Tender bites of chicken and al dente bowtie pasta swim in a silky mozzarella cream that smells wonderfully garlicky and buttery. The texture balances creamy sauce and springy pasta, while the mozzarella gives a mild, gooey pull with every forkful. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but special, for casual family meals, or when friends drop by and you want to impress without fuss. If you enjoy rich garlic butter sauces with a touch of Italian seasoning, you might also like a savory steak version found at garlic butter steak with parmesan cream, which pairs similar flavor notes in a different way.

Ingredients

2 cups bowtie pasta, (dry) Use regular or whole wheat bowties and cook to al dente so they hold the sauce.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, Trim excess fat and cut evenly so pieces cook uniformly.
2 tablespoons olive oil, For searing the chicken and adding a light fruity flavor.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, Use room temperature butter; it finishes the sauce with richness.
4 cloves garlic, minced, Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and sharp, garlicky bite.
1 cup heavy cream, Creates the smooth, rich base for the mozzarella sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, Use whole-milk mozzarella for better melt and creaminess.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste, Season during cooking and adjust at the end.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish), Adds a bright, herbal finish and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Tip: Reserve a 1/4 cup of pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce later.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Small, even pieces will cook more quickly.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown to avoid bitterness.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Keep the heat moderate so the cream does not boil vigorously.
Gradually add the mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little extra cream.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Heat just until everything is warmed through.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined. This adds gloss and silkiness to the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. For a portable version, consider wrapping leftovers in warm tortillas similar to our wrap ideas like deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 820 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces so they brown evenly. Keep the cream at a gentle simmer when adding cheese to prevent separation. For a silkier finish, stir in the last butter off the heat.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce.
Freezing: This dish is best refrigerated rather than frozen because cream-based sauces can change texture when frozen. If you must freeze, cool completely, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight before reheating slowly.
Flavor variations using only existing ingredients: Use extra mozzarella for an ultra-cheesy version, increase the garlic to intensify aroma, or add another 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for more herbiness. For a richer result, stir a little more butter into the finished dish. For a lighter finish, reduce the cream slightly and emphasize mozzarella for melt rather than thickness.
For a beef-pasta twist that uses similar techniques and flavors, see this take on garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta for inspiration.

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Any short pasta that holds sauce, like penne or rotini, works well.
Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Substituting milk will make the sauce thinner and less rich. Use a higher-fat dairy for best texture.
How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?
Chicken pieces should be no longer pink in the center and reach 165 degrees F if using a thermometer.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Swap the bowtie pasta for a certified gluten-free pasta and cook according to its package instructions.
How do I stop the mozzarella from getting stringy or clumpy?
Add the mozzarella slowly over low heat and stir continuously until fully melted for a smooth sauce.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a simple, satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, garlicky mozzarella sauce. It comes together quickly and makes a great option for busy weeknights or cozy dinners with family. If you want another version with a creamy mozzarella finish, check out Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream. For a closely related recipe with the same comforting flavors, try Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish; please tell me how it turned out and any tweaks you made.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Print Recipe

A comforting bowl of tender chicken and bowtie pasta in a silky, garlicky mozzarella cream sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

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: None

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups bowtie pasta, dry
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper.
Gradually add the mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is best refrigerated rather than frozen due to cream texture changes.