Indulgent Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Name: Indulgent Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 pieces chicken breasts, cubed; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

This indulgent mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties in cheesy cream recipe brings comfort food to a new level. Tender cubed chicken is pan-seared in butter and garlic, then bathed in a luxuriously smooth cream sauce studded with Parmesan and molten mozzarella. The bowtie pasta holds on to every creamy, cheesy ribbon, giving a perfect bite of pasta, sauce, and chicken in every forkful. Expect rich, savory flavors, a velvety mouthfeel from the heavy cream, and a light herb finish from fresh parsley that brightens each serving. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something feel-good and impressive, casual date nights at home, or when feeding family and friends who love comforting Italian-inspired flavors. If you enjoy handheld cheesy meals, you might also like the cheesy garlic chicken wraps for an easy twist.

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta — classic farfalle that traps the creamy sauce in its folds and holds up well to mixing.
2 tablespoons butter — used to cook the chicken and add rich flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic, minced — fresh minced garlic brings aromatic depth and savory punch.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — a balanced herb blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for Italian flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt — enhances and balances the overall taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper — for a mild warming finish and contrast.
4 pieces chicken breasts, cubed — the main protein, cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream — creates the silky, luscious base of the sauce.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated — adds nutty, umami richness and helps thicken the cream.
1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded — melts into gooey, stretchy cheese that makes the dish indulgent.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped — fresh herb to finish and brighten the plate.

For a different handheld idea using similar flavors, you can explore deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps.

Step-by-step Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the 12 oz bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside. Tip: reserve the water while it is hot so the starch helps loosen the sauce later.
Prepare the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so pieces brown evenly.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over the chicken and stir to coat. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Make the cream base: Pour 1 1/2 cups heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the cream bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and begin to thicken.
Add the Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the cream and helps thicken the sauce.
Melt in the mozzarella: Add 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese in batches, stirring until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Heat together for 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce and everything is hot.
Finish and serve: Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

If you prefer a beefy twist on a similar bowtie pasta concept, check out this complementary recipe garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta for inspiration.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 generous portions
Calories: Approximately 1,100 calories per serving

If you are interested in a steak and cream variation for inspiration while planning time and portions, see garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips: Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce without thinning it too much. For even cooking, cut chicken into same-size cubes. Keep heat medium-low when melting cheeses so they melt smoothly.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or water to revive the sauce.
Freezing: Creamy pasta sauces do not freeze perfectly, but you can freeze portions in a shallow container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly with a splash of water to help re-emulsify the sauce.
Flavor variations using only the listed ingredients:
- Extra cheesy: increase the Mozzarella amount slightly for a stretchier finish.
- Herb-forward: add a little extra Italian seasoning for more herbal notes.
- Lighter texture: thin the sauce with a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water for a silkier but less heavy sauce.
  For a baked, casserole-style idea using similar cheeses and pasta, consider this related recipe beefy tortellini bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any short pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or rotini, will work.

Q: How do I know when chicken is cooked through?
A: Cubed chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees F or when there is no pink in the center and juices run clear.

Q: Can I reduce the cream to make it lighter?
A: You can use slightly less heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Q: Will the cheese lump if overheated?
A: Cook cheeses over medium-low heat and stir constantly to prevent separation and lumping.

Q: Is fresh Parmesan required or is pre-grated okay?
A: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother, but pre-grated works in a pinch.

Conclusion

This indulgent mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties in cheesy cream is a cozy, satisfying dish that brings rich comfort to the dinner table. It is simple to make yet impressive to serve, with a creamy sauce that clings to every bowtie and tender chicken in each bite. If you want a similar garlic butter chicken and pasta idea, try the Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta for another delicious approach. For a slow cooker mozzarella chicken pasta option, see this Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta. Please make this recipe, share your results, and enjoy warm, cheesy comfort with friends and family.