Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 3 tbsp butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups freshly grated mozzarella; ½ cup Parmesan (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt & pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Introduction

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe brings together tender cubes of chicken, silky garlic butter cream, and gooey mozzarella tossed with bowtie pasta for a comforting weeknight dinner everyone will love. Expect a rich, creamy texture from the heavy cream and melted cheeses, with a bright garlicky aroma and golden seared chicken bites that add a savory contrast. The dish tastes indulgent yet familiar, with smooth cheese pull and a silky sauce that clings to each farfalle curve. It is ideal for busy evenings, casual family meals, or an easy date-night dinner when you want something satisfying without fuss. If you enjoy garlicky pasta variations, you might also like our take on cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a handheld option after this one.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed, for quick, lean protein that cooks evenly.
3 tbsp butter, adds rich, buttery flavor to the sauce.
3 garlic cloves, minced, for aromatic, savory depth.
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle), shapes that hold sauce in their folds.
1 cup heavy cream, gives the sauce a silky, creamy body.
1 ½ cups freshly grated mozzarella, melts into a stretchy, cheesy sauce.
½ cup Parmesan (optional), adds a nutty, salty finish if you like extra tang.
2 tbsp olive oil, used to sear the chicken for a golden crust.
Salt & pepper, to taste, essential for balancing flavors.
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish, adds a bright herbal finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain. Tip: Cook until al dente so the pasta holds its shape when tossed in sauce.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Set the chicken aside. Tip: Do not crowd the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams.
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on the garlic so it does not burn.
Add 1 cup heavy cream and stir, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This deglazing step captures flavor from the chicken.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter cream sauce. Ensure the chicken is evenly warmed and coated.
Stir in 1 ½ cups grated mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan if using, mixing until melted and smooth. Tip: Lower the heat to avoid the cheese becoming stringy or grainy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching desired consistency. The pasta water helps loosen the sauce while preserving creaminess.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot. For a fresher finish try basil, or use parsley for a classic look.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 980 kcal per serving, depending on whether you add the optional Parmesan

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding cheese, since cheese adds saltiness.
If the sauce seems too thin, simmer gently for another minute to reduce.
For easier cleanup, use a wide skillet that fits the pasta when tossing.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This dish freezes best without the fresh herbs. Cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove with a little water or cream.

Flavor Variations Using Existing Ingredients Only

Extra cheesy: Add the optional Parmesan for more umami and a sharper finish.
Herb-forward: Garnish with extra basil instead of parsley for a sweeter, aromatic note.
Creamier sauce: Stir in a touch more heavy cream and use reserved pasta water sparingly to reach your perfect silkiness.

Body internal reference
For another pasta that balances butter and garlic flavors, see this hearty garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta recipe.

Additional technique note
If you prefer a slightly browned finish on your chicken before returning it to the sauce, set the skillet to medium-high briefly after combining chicken and sauce to meld flavors. For a different butter profile consider pairing this recipe idea with our cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe for inspiration.

FAQ

How long does it take to cook the chicken cubes fully?
Cook cubed chicken over medium-high heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until no pink remains and juices run clear.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta that holds sauce, such as penne or rotini, will work similarly.
Is it okay to skip the Parmesan?
Yes, Parmesan is optional and can be omitted without changing the core recipe.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Stir the cheese in over low to medium heat and remove from direct high heat if it starts to separate.
Can this be made ahead?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and assemble with pasta just before serving for best texture.
What is the best garnish for this dish?
Fresh parsley or basil adds color and a bright finish but either choice complements the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe with family and friends. For more cheesy comfort meal ideas, take a look at Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream and for a baked variation try Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella. If you make this recipe please share your results and any little tweaks you loved, and enjoy a cozy, cheesy dinner tonight.