Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Introduction
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is creamy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend supper. The sauce is rich and silky, with butter and heavy cream forming a decadent base that coats each bowtie pasta. Fresh garlic gives a bright, savory aroma while melted mozzarella and grated Parmesan create stretchy, savory layers of cheesy goodness. Shredded cooked chicken adds protein and a satisfying bite, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil brings a fresh, herbal finish. If you enjoy easy, family-friendly pasta dishes, this one pairs beautifully with simple sides and is a great crowd pleaser. For another garlic and cheese inspired meal idea, try these cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a handheld option.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. bowtie pasta, dry. Use the full 8 ounces for a hearty main dish, and cook to al dente so the sauce clings to the pasta.
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken. Leftover rotisserie chicken works well and speeds up prep.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Provides a rich, silky base for the sauce. Unsalted lets you control seasoning.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic gives the sauce its aromatic, savory backbone.
• 1 cup heavy cream. Creates the creamy sauce texture and helps the cheese melt smoothly.
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melt and stretch.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adds sharp, nutty flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper, to taste. Season carefully, especially if your Parmesan is salty.
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish. Adds color and a bright finish to the dish. For a different herbal note try garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce style herbs.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Tip: reserving pasta water helps loosen and finish the sauce if it becomes too thick.
2. While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken and mince the garlic. Use warm chicken for easier shredding and faster reheating in the sauce.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 30 to 60 seconds. Do not brown the garlic, you want it fragrant but not bitter.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently so the cream heats evenly.
5. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Also see a related creamy bowtie idea at garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.
6. Add the drained pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat. Cook one minute more so the pasta soaks up the sauce and the chicken warms through.
7. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes.
• Cook Time: 15 minutes.
• Total Time: 25 minutes.
• Servings: About 4 servings.
• Calories: Approximately 900 calories per serving. This is an estimate and will vary with portion size and exact ingredients.

Tips, Storage & Variations
Tips

• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
• Keep the garlic brief in the pan, just until fragrant, to avoid bitterness.
• Use the reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silkier finish.
• If your Parmesan is salty, reduce added salt and taste before adjusting.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: This dish freezes okay, though texture may change because of the cream and cheese. Cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly on low heat.

Variations using existing ingredients only

• Extra cheesy: Increase the mozzarella slightly for an even stretchier result.
• More Parmesan bite: Add a touch more grated Parmesan to deepen the savory flavor.
• Herb forward: Swap parsley for basil to give a sweeter, peppery finish while keeping ingredients the same.
• Saucier finish: Stir in a little of the reserved pasta water to make a thinner, silkier sauce.

FAQ

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect. It saves time and adds flavor.

2. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
   Stir the cheese in over gentle heat and add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water if needed for a smooth texture.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

4. Is this dish freezer friendly?
   It can be frozen, but the cream and cheese may change texture. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

5. What should I serve with this pasta?
   A light salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich, cheesy sauce well.

People Also Ask

1. How long does bowtie pasta take to cook?
   Bowtie pasta typically cooks in 9 to 12 minutes for al dente, check the package for exact timing.

2. Can I use low fat dairy instead of heavy cream?
   Low fat dairy will change the richness and texture, so the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.

3. Should I salt the pasta water?
   Yes, salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside and enhances overall flavor.

4. What is the best way to reheat cheesy pasta without drying it out?
   Reheat on low heat with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water, stirring until warmed through.

5. How can I make the sauce stretchier?
   Using freshly shredded mozzarella and a bit of warm reserved pasta water helps create a stretchy, cohesive sauce.

6. Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
   Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly shredded works best for smooth melt.

7. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
   Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger pot and skillet to keep even cooking.

8. How do I know when the dish is seasoned correctly?
   Taste before serving and adjust with small pinches of salt and a grind of pepper as needed.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is an easy weeknight winner that delivers rich, garlicky comfort in every forkful. If you want more cheesy bowtie inspiration, see this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream for a similar creamy take. For a baked cheese and chicken idea with a different finish, try this Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cozy dish, and please come back to tell me how it turned out.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Print Recipe

A creamy, comforting pasta dish with garlic, chicken, and two types of cheese, ready in under 30 minutes.

• Author: hannah-reed
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Poultry

Ingredients

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• 8 oz. bowtie pasta, dry
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. While the pasta cooks, shred the chicken and mince the garlic.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the drained pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat. Cook one minute more.
7. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best melt, use freshly shredded mozzarella. Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 900
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 27g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 122mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, cheese, garlic, weeknight dinner, easy recipe