Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, buttery garlic flavor, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce. Bowtie pasta perfectly holds the rich sauce, while melted mozzarella and Parmesan create a silky, savory coating that clings to every bite. This dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough to feel like a restaurant-quality meal. With juicy chicken, fragrant garlic butter, and creamy cheese, it’s a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the Italian seasoning and paprika, stirring to combine the flavors.
5. Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.
7. Finish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and add extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors.
Variation
- Add Mushrooms for Earthy Flavor
Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the garlic. Mushrooms absorb the garlic butter beautifully and add a rich, earthy depth to the creamy sauce. - Spinach Cream Chicken Bowties
Stir a handful of fresh spinach into the sauce just before combining the pasta. The spinach wilts quickly and adds both color and extra nutrients without overpowering the dish. - Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or increase the paprika slightly. This adds a subtle kick that balances nicely with the creamy cheese sauce.
Cooking Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce once mixed with the chicken.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-packaged grated cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Garlic Bread
Pair this creamy pasta with warm garlic bread or toasted baguette slices. The bread is perfect for soaking up the extra cheesy sauce left on the plate. - Add a Fresh Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the creamy pasta. The fresh acidity helps cut through the buttery and cheesy flavors. - Top with Extra Cheese
Finish the dish with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella right before serving. The extra cheese melts slightly and adds even more savory flavor.
Tips
- Use Fresh Garlic for the Best Flavor
Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a bold, aromatic flavor that powdered garlic simply can’t replicate. - Reserve Some Pasta Water
Before draining the pasta, save a small cup of the cooking water. Adding a splash can help thin the sauce and make it cling perfectly to the pasta. - Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Cook the chicken just until done to keep it tender and juicy. Overcooking can make it dry once combined with the sauce.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well with this creamy sauce. - Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less rich. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce may thicken as it sits. When reheating, add a little cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.
Conclusion
Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is a rich, satisfying pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant garlic butter, and a velvety cheese sauce. With its comforting flavors and simple preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor making this dish a guaranteed favorite at the table.
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Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, buttery garlic flavor, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce. Bowtie pasta perfectly holds the rich sauce, while melted mozzarella and Parmesan create a silky, savory coating that clings to every bite. This dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough to feel like a restaurant-quality meal. With juicy chicken, fragrant garlic butter, and creamy cheese, it’s a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the Italian seasoning and paprika, stirring to combine the flavors.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and add extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce once mixed with the chicken.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-packaged grated cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken pasta, mozzarella chicken bowtie pasta, cheesy chicken pasta recipe, creamy garlic pasta