Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 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

Warm, creamy, and utterly comforting, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration. Tender cubes of seared chicken are coated in a silky mozzarella cream sauce and tossed with al dente bowtie pasta, creating a dish with a luscious texture and bright garlic aroma. The sauce is rich but balanced, with melted mozzarella giving stringy, satisfying pulls and Parmesan adding a hint of nutty savor if you choose to include it. This meal is ideal for busy families, date nights at home, or when you want to impress guests without fuss. It also reheats well for lunches all week. If you enjoy handheld comfort meals, you might also like our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, which use similar flavors in a portable form.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and get a nice sear while staying juicy.
3 tbsp butter
Adds richness to the sauce and carries the garlic flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic gives the sauce a bright, aromatic backbone.
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Bowties hold sauce in their folds and provide pleasant texture.
1 cup heavy cream
The base of the creamy sauce, giving silkiness and body.
1 ½ cups freshly grated mozzarella
Melts smoothly into a stretchy, cheesy sauce.
½ cup Parmesan (optional)
Adds a salty, nutty depth if you choose to include it.
2 tbsp olive oil
For searing the chicken and developing golden color.
Salt & pepper to taste
Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Adds a fresh herbal note and bright color at the end.
This mozzarella-forward sauce is similar in style to the one in our garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce.

Step-by-step Instructions

Pat the cubed chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear without overcrowding until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Tip: Dry chicken sears better. If pieces are crowded, cook in two batches.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
Tip: Stir constantly so the garlic softens but does not burn.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook 12 ounces bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Add 1 cup heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic and bring to a gentle simmer over low to medium-low heat. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups freshly grated mozzarella, whisking or stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If you are using 1/2 cup Parmesan, stir it in now to combine. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained bowtie pasta. Toss gently to coat everything in the mozzarella cream sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Tip: For another bowtie pasta idea with rich garlic and butter flavors, try this garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (approximate): 930 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect creaminess.
- Keep the heat low when melting cheese into cream to prevent separation. Stir gently until smooth.
Storage and freezing
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.
- Freezing creamy pasta dishes can change the texture. If you must freeze, freeze portions without garnish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stove.
Flavor variations using only existing ingredients
- Extra cheesy: Stir in the optional Parmesan plus a bit more mozzarella for a richer finish.
- Herb-forward: Increase the amount of fresh parsley or basil for a brighter finish.
- Creamier sauce: Add a small splash of reserved pasta water while tossing to reach a silkier consistency.
- Wrap idea: Stretch leftovers into handhelds by following techniques similar to our Deliciously Cheesy Chicken Garlic Wraps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, you can use other shapes, but bowties hold the sauce well and give a nice texture.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded mozzarella?
You can, but freshly grated mozzarella melts more smoothly and gives a better sauce texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe relies on heavy cream and cheeses, so dairy-free changes would require ingredient substitutions not listed here.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Keep the heat gentle when adding cheese and stir continuously. Add a splash of pasta water if it becomes too thick.
Can I cook the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, sear the chicken and refrigerate for up to one day, then finish the dish when ready.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is an easy way to bring indulgent, comforting flavors to your table in under 40 minutes. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for balance, and leftovers make a satisfying lunch. For another version of this comforting dish you can compare techniques in the recipe for Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream, or see a similar take at Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce. Enjoy making this at home, and please share how it turned out with friends and family for a cozy, delicious meal.