Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a weeknight superstar that feels like comfort food without hours in the kitchen. Tender diced chicken and pillowy bowtie pasta are coated in a silky garlic butter cream sauce studded with melted mozzarella and brightened with chopped parsley. The taste is rich and savory with a mellow garlic aroma, and the texture balances creamy sauce with a satisfying bite from the pasta and lightly browned chicken. It works beautifully for family dinners, casual date nights, or meal prep that reheats well. If you enjoy similar comforting dishes, you might like this twist on handheld comfort, such as our cheesy garlic chicken wraps, which takes these flavors in a different format.

Ingredients

8 oz bowtie pasta, dry — classic farfalle shape that holds the sauce well.
1 lb chicken breast, diced — lean protein cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
4 tbsp butter — provides the base for the sauce and helps brown the chicken.
4 cloves garlic, minced — gives aromatic garlic flavor throughout the dish.
1 cup heavy cream — creates a rich, silky sauce that coats the pasta.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese — melts into a stretchy, creamy finish.
1/2 tsp salt — seasons the sauce and chicken; adjust to taste.
1/4 tsp black pepper — adds gentle heat and depth.
1/4 cup chopped parsley — fresh herb garnish for color and a bright note.

This recipe shares comforting elements with a hearty pasta variation like garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta if you want another protein option.

Step-by-step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Tip: reserve a 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Let the butter foam but do not let it burn. Watch closely and reduce heat slightly if it starts to brown.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally so pieces brown evenly.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic turn dark to avoid bitterness.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently until the cream is warm and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine so every bowtie is coated in the sauce and chicken is evenly distributed.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy while hot for the best texture. For another comforting chicken pasta idea, see this cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: approximately 790 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips: Use evenly sized chicken pieces so they cook uniformly. Keep heat moderate when melting butter and sautéing garlic to prevent burning. If sauce thickens too much, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water until it loosens.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to refresh the sauce.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but cream-based sauces can change texture after freezing and thawing. Freeze in a shallow airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only: For a brighter finish, stir the chopped parsley into the pasta right before serving. For extra gooeyness, reserve a small handful of the shredded mozzarella to sprinkle on top just before serving, allowing it to melt into ribbons without changing the main recipe quantities. For a richer buttery note, finish with a tiny extra dot of butter in the warm pan before tossing.

For a similar creamy steak option, check this garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Any short pasta that holds sauce will work, but cooking times may vary.
Is the chicken fully cooked before adding cream?
Yes. Cook chicken 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through before adding garlic and cream.
Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
Yes. Pre-shredded mozzarella works fine and melts into the sauce.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer a little longer until it reduces and thickens, stirring frequently.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add garlic after the chicken is mostly cooked and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Conclusion

Give this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties a try on your next cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, creamy garlic butter sauce, and melty mozzarella makes a satisfying, easy meal that comes together quickly. For another take on mozzarella and garlic chicken flavors, you can compare methods in this detailed Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream post, or explore a baked variation at Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella. If you make it, please share how it turned out so others can enjoy it too. Enjoy a warm, satisfying plate tonight.