Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is comfort food that comes together fast but tastes indulgent. Tender, bite-sized chicken cooks in butter until golden, then mingles with bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy garlic sauce studded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. The texture is creamy and silky from the heavy cream and cheeses, with little pops of chew from the mozzarella and the satisfying bite of al dente farfalle. The aroma is warm and garlicky, with buttery notes and a hint of Italian seasoning that make it perfect for weeknight dinners or a simple weekend meal when you want something cozy without a lot of fuss. If you enjoy buttery, cheesy chicken pasta, you might also like this take on cheesy garlic chicken wraps for another easy comfort option.

Ingredients

• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle), dry, for the base of the dish and perfect for holding sauce in the folds.
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, provides lean protein and browns nicely.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced, adds fragrant, savory depth to the butter sauce.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, used for browning the chicken and making the garlic butter base.
• 1 cup heavy cream, creates the rich and silky cheese sauce.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, melts into the sauce for stretch and mild creaminess.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt and pepper, to taste, for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, gives warm herbal notes and ties the flavors together.
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish and a fresh herbal finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. Tip: reserve the water before draining so you can loosen the sauce if needed.
2. Cook the chicken. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Tip: do not overcrowd the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams.
3. Make the garlic butter. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Watch the garlic so it does not burn.
4. Create the creamy sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
5. Combine it all. Toss the cooked bowtie pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil and plate it up. Tip: a little extra grated Parmesan on top adds a nice savory finish.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories (approximate): 880 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Practical tips: Use room temperature heavy cream so it blends smoothly. If your skillet is very hot when you add the cream, lower the heat to prevent the dairy from separating.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and add a little water to refresh the sauce.
• Flavor variations using existing ingredients only: stir in a little extra Parmesan for a sharper flavor, swap parsley for basil as the garnish for a sweeter herb note, or increase the garlic by one clove for a more pronounced garlicky kick.
• For inspiration with similar pasta and buttered chicken flavors, see this garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta for a meat swap idea.

FAQ

1. How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
   Keep the heat low when adding heavy cream and stir continuously. If the sauce looks oily, a splash of reserved pasta water can help bring it back together.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes, any pasta that holds sauce, like penne or rotini, will work, but cooking time may vary.

3. Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
   Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts smoother because it lacks anti-caking agents.

4. How can I make this less rich?
   Reduce heavy cream by a small amount and add a bit more reserved pasta water to thin the sauce slightly.

5. Can I cook the chicken ahead of time?
   Yes, cook and refrigerate the chicken separately for up to 24 hours, then finish the sauce and combine before serving.

People Also Ask

1. What is the best way to brown chicken evenly?
   Pat pieces dry, use medium heat, and avoid moving them too soon so a golden crust forms.

2. How much pasta per person is 8 ounces?
   Eight ounces of dry pasta generally serves about 3 to 4 people, depending on appetite.

3. Will mozzarella make the sauce stringy?
   Mozzarella can add stretch, which gives a pleasant texture, but stirring until fully melted keeps the sauce smooth.

4. Can I use low fat cream instead of heavy cream?
   Low fat cream will thin the sauce and change the texture; if used, expect a lighter but less creamy result.

5. Should I season the pasta water?
   Yes, salting the pasta water flavors the pasta from the inside and enhances the finished dish.

6. How do I reheat this without drying out the chicken?
   Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of water or cream to preserve moisture.

7. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy free?
   This recipe relies on dairy for texture and flavor, so omitting dairy would require ingredient changes not provided here.

8. What herb works best as a garnish, parsley or basil?
   Parsley gives a fresh, bright finish, while basil adds sweetness; choose based on personal preference.

Conclusion

Give this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe a try when you want an easy, comforting meal that feels special without a lot of effort. For a variation with extra cheesy cream, you might compare it to this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream to see another creamy take. If you enjoy baked versions with similar flavors, check out this Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar for inspiration. I hope this becomes a go-to recipe for cozy weeknights and that you share it with friends and family.