Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Warm, creamy, and comforting, these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties bring together tender diced chicken, melted mozzarella, and a silky garlic butter cream sauce tossed with bowtie pasta. The dish tastes rich and savory, with the garlic and butter rounding out the bright, milky notes of heavy cream and the mild stretch of mozzarella. Texture is satisfying, with plump bowties that hold pockets of sauce and golden-edged chicken that adds a pleasant bite. The aroma fills the kitchen with warm garlic and melted cheese, inviting everyone to the table.

This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick and impressive, and it also works well for casual gatherings. If you enjoy similar creamy pasta dishes, try my take on cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a handheld option that carries many of the same flavors.

Ingredients

8 oz bowtie pasta, dry, classic short pasta shape that captures sauce in its folds.
1 lb chicken breast, diced, use uniform pieces so the chicken cooks evenly.
4 tbsp butter, adds rich flavor and helps brown the chicken.
4 cloves garlic, minced, fresh garlic gives the sauce its fragrant backbone.
1 cup heavy cream, creates the silky, rich sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, melts into a smooth, cheesy finish.
1/2 tsp salt, use kosher or fine salt to season evenly.
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground for best flavor.
1/4 cup chopped parsley, brightens the dish and adds a fresh finish.

If you enjoy cream-based sauces you may like the flavor profile in garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce for a different protein twist.

Step-by-step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a tablespoon of pasta cooking water if desired. Tip, reserve the pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy. Use a wide skillet so the chicken cooks in an even layer.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure the chicken pieces reach no pink in the center.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Watch the garlic so it does not brown and become bitter.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Allow the cream to warm and thicken slightly for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Stir gently so the cheese fully melts into the cream.
Add the cooked pasta, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. If the sauce tightens as it cools, add a splash of the reserved water and toss.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve immediately so the sauce stays at its creamiest.

For another pasta idea with a similar comforting profile see this garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta which uses a different protein but keeps the same cheesy comfort.

Recipe Details

Prep Time, 10 minutes.
Cook Time, 20 minutes.
Total Time, 30 minutes.
Servings, 4 generous servings.
Calories, approximately 780 kcal per serving.

You may also enjoy variations that are handheld friendly like deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps which translate similar flavors into a wrap.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips, cut the chicken into similar sized pieces for even cooking, and use freshly shredded mozzarella if possible for better melt. If the sauce is too thin after adding cheese, simmer a minute to reduce.
Storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.
Freezing, this dish is best frozen without pasta. Freeze the chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only, increase garlic to 6 cloves for a bolder garlic punch, or add extra mozzarella for a cheesier finish. Swap amounts within given ingredients by adding more parsley to brighten the plate or a touch more black pepper for a bit of heat. For a richer sauce, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter at the end. For a more saucy pasta, keep a little more reserved pasta water on hand.

Also consider this comforting chicken pasta idea for a heartier take on butter-forward flavors at cowboy butter chicken pasta.

FAQ

Q, Can I use a different pasta shape with this sauce?
A, Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini will work because they hold the sauce well.

Q, How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A, Chicken is done when it has no pink inside and reaches 165 F if using a thermometer.

Q, Can I use low fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
A, Heavy cream gives the best texture, low fat options may make the sauce thinner and less creamy.

Q, Do I need to brown the chicken first?
A, Yes, browning adds flavor and texture before adding the garlic and cream.

Q, Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
A, You can cook the pasta and dice the chicken ahead, then finish cooking and combine before serving.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe with family and friends. For another cheesy, garlic rich version you can compare textures on Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream, and if you like baked options try the technique shown in Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar. If you make it please share how it turned out, and enjoy a cozy, comforting meal.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Print Recipe

Warm, creamy, and comforting, these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties bring together tender diced chicken, melted mozzarella, and a silky garlic butter cream sauce tossed with bowtie pasta.

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

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz bowtie pasta, dry
1 lb chicken breast, diced
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a tablespoon of pasta cooking water if desired.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Allow to warm and thicken slightly for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve immediately.