Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a cozy, satisfying weeknight dinner that combines tender diced chicken, pillowy bowtie pasta, and a silky mozzarella cream sauce. The dish greets you with a rich garlic aroma, a smooth and creamy texture from the heavy cream and melted mozzarella, and a pleasant herb note from the Italian seasoning. Each bite balances the savory buttered chicken with gooey cheese and a subtle nutty finish from the Parmesan topping. It is ideal for busy families, date nights at home, or when you want a comforting pasta dish without fuss. If you love creamy garlic sauces, you might also enjoy a similar rich finish in recipes like this garlic butter steak with Parmesan cream sauce, which pairs the same flavor profile with beef. The recipe is straightforward, ready in under an hour, and scales well for leftovers.

Ingredients

Bowtie pasta, the pasta shape helps trap the creamy sauce in its folds.
Chicken breast, diced into bite sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Garlic, minced to release a fragrant, savory base flavor.
Butter, used to sauté garlic and build the sauce base for richness.
Heavy cream, provides the silky, luxurious body of the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded or diced so it melts smoothly into the cream.
Salt, to season and enhance all flavors.
Pepper, freshly ground if possible for a bright, warming note.
Italian seasoning, a blend of dried herbs to give an herby depth.
Parmesan cheese, grated and sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish.
Fresh parsley, chopped for a bright, herbaceous garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta cooking water. Tip, reserve the water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds to avoid browning.
Add diced chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through. Make sure the chicken reaches no visible pink inside and sizzles slightly before turning.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Tip, add the pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Add cooked bowtie pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook together for a minute until heated through so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.
Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley. Tip, serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 650 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Keep the heat moderate when melting mozzarella to avoid graininess. If the sauce tightens as it cools, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or a little extra heavy cream to loosen it.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in a little heavy cream or reserved pasta water if needed to restore creaminess.
Flavor variations using only existing ingredients: For a cheesier result, increase the mozzarella and finish with extra Parmesan. For a more garlicky profile, add an extra clove of garlic when sautéing. For a herbier note, add a pinch more Italian seasoning and more fresh parsley when serving.
If you like related comfort pasta ideas, try this garlicky beef and cheesy bowtie pasta for another take on creamy, rich noodles.

Step-by-step cooking inspiration can also be found in this cheesy garlic chicken wrap guide which uses similar flavors and techniques.

FAQ

How do I prevent the mozzarella from becoming stringy?
Keep the heat moderate and stir continuously as the cheese melts, adding reserved pasta water to smooth the sauce if needed.
Can I use pre shredded mozzarella?
Yes, pre shredded mozzarella works fine, but freshly shredded often melts a bit smoother.
Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its silky texture. Using less heavy cream will thin the sauce and change the texture.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Cut a piece to check for no pink inside or ensure the pieces are browned and firm. Internal temperature should reach 165 F for safety.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the components and combine them just before serving for best texture. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or reserved water if the sauce tightens.
What is the best pasta to use?
Bowtie pasta is ideal because its shape holds the sauce, but other short pastas could work if you prefer a different texture.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce. It brings comfort, rich garlic flavor, and cheesy satisfaction to any table, and is simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for guests. For another take on a mozzarella forward creamy bowtie, see Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream. If you want a slightly different tutorial and presentation, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce. Please try the recipe, share your experience, and enjoy a cozy meal.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Print Recipe

A cozy and satisfying weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a rich mozzarella cream sauce.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta cooking water.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
Add diced chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Add cooked bowtie pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook together for a minute until heated through.
Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley.