Name: Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Introduction

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that feels a little indulgent and is surprisingly simple to make. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken are seared in butter and seasoned with Italian seasoning, then joined with bowtie pasta in a silky garlic cream sauce studded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. The result is creamy and comforting, with a bubbly cheese pull, a rich buttery aroma, and a hint of herbaceous brightness from fresh parsley or basil on top. Serve this dish when you want something satisfying for family dinners, casual entertaining, or a special date-night meal at home. If you enjoy similar flavor profiles, you might also like these cheesy garlic chicken wraps as another easy, cheesy option.

Ingredients

8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) — classic short pasta that holds sauce well.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — lean protein, cut small so it cooks quickly.
4 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic for bright, aromatic flavor.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter — provides a rich, buttery base for cooking and the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream — creates the silky, creamy sauce body.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese — melts into a stretchy, mild cheese layer.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese — adds salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
Salt and pepper, to taste — essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — a blend of herbs for classic Italian flavor.
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish — adds color and fresh herbal notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the pasta.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving half a cup of the pasta cooking water. Small tip: reserve the water before draining fully so you can loosen the sauce if needed.
Cook the chicken.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the garlic butter.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic.
- Cook the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to let it brown or burn.
Create the creamy sauce.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Combine it all.
- Add the cooked pasta and the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Garnish and serve.
- Top with chopped fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
- Small tip: a sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the table brightens the flavors.

(For more ideas that layer garlic and cheese into comforting pasta dishes, see this deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps for inspiration.)

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 880 calories per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips:
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aroma, and avoid browning it to prevent bitterness.
- Keep the reserved pasta water nearby; a splash will loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- If your mozzarella is very stringy, stir gently and allow the sauce to simmer briefly so it melds smoothly with the cream.
Storage and freezing:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved water to restore creaminess.
- To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly to avoid separating the sauce.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
- Extra cheesy: stir an extra handful of mozzarella into the sauce before combining.
- Herb-forward: increase the chopped parsley or basil for a brighter finish.
- Parmesan-forward: fold in a bit more grated Parmesan for a nuttier, saltier edge.

For another cheesy bowtie pasta take with garlic and beef, check out this related recipe garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta. If you like rich cream sauces paired with steak-style flavors, this garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce offers techniques that translate well to chicken.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, use any short pasta that holds sauce, such as penne or rigatoni, and cook until al dente.

Q: Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
A: Yes, reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?
A: Low-fat cream will result in a thinner sauce and less richness. Heavy cream gives the best texture.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: You can cut the chicken and grate cheeses ahead, then cook just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

I hope this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe brings warmth and comfort to your table. If you are curious about similar takes on this flavor profile, you can compare techniques and presentation with this version at Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream. For a baked variation that highlights mozzarella and garlic-butter chicken, see this helpful guide at Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar. Try the recipe, share your photos, and enjoy a cozy, cheesy meal tonight.

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Print Recipe

A cozy and creamy dish featuring tender chicken and bowtie pasta in a garlic butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan.

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
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving half a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Cook the chicken. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
Make the garlic butter. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
Create the creamy sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to a gentle simmer. Add the cheeses, stirring until smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Combine it all. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, stir to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and serve. Top with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately, optionally with extra Parmesan.