Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a cozy, weeknight-friendly pasta dinner that feels like a restaurant meal at home. Tender diced chicken is seared in garlic-scented butter, then bathed in a silky heavy cream sauce loaded with melted mozzarella for a pull-apart, cheesy texture. The bowtie pasta holds pockets of sauce in its creases, giving every bite a creamy, savory mouthfeel and an inviting aroma of garlic and butter. This dish is ideal for family dinners, date nights, or anytime you want a comforting one-skillet meal that comes together quickly. If you enjoy rich, comforting pasta dishes, you might also like the garlic butter steak with parmesan cream for another indulgent option.

Ingredients

Bowtie pasta, the classic pasta shape that traps sauce in its folds for extra flavor with each bite.
Chicken breast, diced into bite-size pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Garlic, minced, for bright, savory aroma and flavor; do not let it brown to avoid bitterness. See a related twist using this flavor profile in cheesy garlic chicken wraps.
Butter, used to sauté the garlic and brown the chicken while adding richness to the sauce.
Heavy cream, the base of the sauce that makes it smooth and luxurious.
Mozzarella cheese, stirred into the hot cream to create a melty, gooey, cheesy sauce.
Salt, to season the pasta and chicken and bring out flavors.
Pepper, freshly ground if possible, for mild, warming heat.
Italian seasoning, a blend of herbs that complements the garlic and cheese.
Parmesan cheese, grated, for finishing saltiness and a nutty bite on top.
Fresh parsley, chopped and used as a bright, herbaceous garnish that lifts the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Tip: Reserve the water while the pasta drains so you can loosen the sauce as needed.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Small tip: Stir the garlic constantly and watch for just a quick fragrant bloom.
Add diced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Make sure pieces reach an internal color change and no longer look pink.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. If you prefer a slightly looser sauce, add the pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook together for a minute so the pasta absorbs some sauce and the flavors meld. For another creamy handheld-inspired idea, you may like the deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps.
Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley. Freshly grate the Parmesan for best texture and melt.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 600 to 700 calories per serving, depending on portion size and exact cheese amounts. For another bowtie pasta take on rich flavors, check this garlic butter beef version called garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking and a better sear.
Grate mozzarella finely so it melts quickly into the cream.
If the sauce separates slightly, whisk in a splash of the reserved pasta water to bring it back together.
For a brighter finish, sprinkle parsley right before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but texture changes are possible because of the cream. Freeze in a shallow airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on low, stirring to recombine the sauce.

Variations using only the listed ingredients

Extra garlic and parsley: increase minced garlic and add more fresh parsley for a bolder, herb-forward version.
Double cheese finish: stir a little extra Parmesan into the sauce along with the mozzarella for nuttier depth.
Pepper-forward: add more freshly ground pepper for a spicier edge while keeping other ingredients the same.
Creamier sauce: add a touch more heavy cream and a bit more mozzarella for an ultra-luxe, saucier result. For a sweet and spicy pairing idea that also uses chicken and creamy pasta, see honey pepper chicken, sweet and spicy.

FAQ

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly until fragrant, then add the chicken so the garlic does not brown.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta will work, but bowties hold the sauce especially well in their creases.
Is it okay to use low fat cream?
Low fat cream may change the texture and richness; heavy cream gives the creamiest, smoothest sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Chicken is done when the pieces are no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, or when an instant-read thermometer reads 165 F in the thickest piece.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare components ahead, but combine and reheat gently just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly and satisfies both weeknight and special dinner needs. If you want another take on mozzarella-rich chicken and garlic, try the Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream for a similar, indulgent approach Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream. For a slightly different presentation and tips, see this classic Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce guide Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce. I hope you try this recipe soon and share how it turned out with friends or family. Enjoy a cozy, cheesy meal and happy cooking.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Print Recipe

A cozy, weeknight-friendly pasta dinner featuring tender chicken in a garlic butter sauce with cheesy mozzarella cream.

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: Poultry

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Add diced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Combine the cooked bowtie pasta with the sauce in the skillet and toss to coat. Cook together for a minute.
Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley.