Name: Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 4 tbsp butter, divided; 1 lb bowtie pasta; 4 cups heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Introduction
This Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a cozy, indulgent weeknight dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss. Bite-sized pieces of chicken cook quickly in butter, then join bowtie pasta in a lush cream and cheese sauce that clings to each piece for rich, comforting bites. The texture is silky from the heavy cream and cream cheese, with gooey mozzarella threads and a savory Parmesan finish. The aroma of butter, garlic, and melting cheese fills the kitchen and makes this a crowd pleaser for family dinners or casual entertaining. If you love one-pot style creamy pasta meals, this dish will become a go-to. For another creamy chicken pasta idea that pairs well with this flavor profile, try this cheesy garlic chicken wraps as a side or follow-up meal.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Tender chicken cut into small pieces so it cooks evenly and mixes well with pasta.
4 tbsp butter, divided
Butter builds a rich base for cooking the chicken and for sautéing garlic.
1 lb bowtie pasta
Bowtie pasta holds onto creamy sauces in the twists and folds.
4 cups heavy cream
The foundation of the silky, decadent sauce.
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Adds body and a smooth, tangy richness when whisked into the cream.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
Melts into gooey strands and gives the dish a mild, milky chew.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. Reserve a 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Tip: Reserve the pasta water before draining so you can loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the skillet so the chicken browns evenly; cook in batches if needed.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
Tip: Watch the garlic closely so it becomes fragrant but does not brown.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until melted.
Tip: Keep the heat moderate to prevent the dairy from curdling; stir often so the cheeses melt evenly.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and gently toss to coat everything in the sauce. Serve immediately with extra shredded mozzarella on top.
Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

For another creamy pasta that uses rotisserie chicken and broccoli for a lighter twist, see this version: creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 1,220 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Use room temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly into the hot cream. Slice chicken into similar sized pieces for even cooking. If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, add the Parmesan a minute earlier so it has time to melt into the sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewarm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but dairy sauces may change texture slightly after thawing. Cool completely, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat slowly and stir to recombine the sauce.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
- Extra cheesy: Stir additional shredded mozzarella into the sauce before serving and sprinkle more on top.
- Richer sauce: Add another tablespoon of butter while simmering the cream for more silkiness.
- Stronger savory note: Increase the grated Parmesan to intensify the salty, nutty flavor.

For a similar bowtie pasta idea with beef and garlic butter flavors, check this recipe: garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

FAQ

Can I use another pasta shape instead of bowties?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini will work well and hold the sauce nicely.
Can I make this without cream cheese?
You can omit it, but the sauce will be slightly less thick and tangy. Add a bit more mozzarella for creaminess.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Keep the heat gentle while simmering and stir frequently. Avoid boiling the cream vigorously.
Can I use low fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Using lower fat liquids will make the sauce thinner and less rich. If using milk, add a small amount of flour or more cream cheese to help thicken.
Is it safe to reheat this pasta?
Yes, reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to restore the sauce texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties is a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor and texture. If you love the combination of garlic butter and melted mozzarella on chicken, you might also enjoy this Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella for a baked variation, or this skillet-style Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta for another stovetop take. Try the recipe, adjust the cheese to your taste, and share how yours turns out with friends and family for a cozy dinner everyone will enjoy.