Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Warm, comforting, and impossibly creamy, Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is the kind of weeknight dish that feels special without fuss. Tender bite-size pieces of chicken seared with garlic and a kiss of smoky Cajun seasoning meet al dente bowtie pasta in a glossy, cheesy cream sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded mozzarella. The result is rich and silky, with mild tang from the cream cheese, stretchy mozzarella goodness, and a savory garlic aroma that fills the kitchen. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is ideal for family dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prepping for busy nights. If you love one-skillet comfort food, you might also enjoy a quick twist on wraps like the cheesy garlic chicken wraps for lunch or leftovers.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped or sliced into bite-size pieces
Lean protein that cooks quickly when cut small, perfect for evenly coated bites.
1 lb bowtie pasta
Farfalle holds sauce well thanks to its pinched center and ruffled edges.
4 cups chicken broth
Adds savory depth to the sauce and helps loosen the cream cheese when melted.
1 cup heavy cream
Gives the sauce a rich, smooth texture and a velvety mouthfeel.
4 oz cream cheese
Helps thicken the sauce and adds a mild tang for balance.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts into a stretchy, cheesy finish that keeps the sauce creamy.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Provides bright, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese and chicken.
2 tbsp olive oil
Used for searing the chicken and garlic for even browning and flavor.
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Adds a warm, savory spice profile and a touch of heat.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Offers a subtle smoky note that deepens the overall flavor.
1/4 tsp black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle bite and complexity.
Salt to taste
Use salt to enhance all the flavors, adding a pinch or two as needed.

For another creamy pasta comfort option, try the creamy Velveeta chicken rotini pasta delight.

Step-by-step Instructions

Prepare and season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Tip: Drying the chicken helps it brown rather than steam.
Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed to get a good sear.
Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain and set aside.
Tip: Save a small cup of pasta cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Sauté the minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant.
Tip: Stir constantly and cook just until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds, to avoid burning the garlic.
Whisk cream cheese with some heavy cream until smooth, then add to the skillet with chicken broth and remaining heavy cream, stirring until combined.
Tip: Softening the cream cheese first helps it incorporate evenly into the liquid.
Once the sauce simmers, add mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Tip: Keep the heat moderate so the cheese melts gently and the sauce stays silky.
Combine the cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, optionally broiling with more mozzarella on top.
Tip: If broiling, transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil briefly until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

For a similar hearty pasta with beef and garlic butter, see this garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 750 kcal per serving

This recipe makes a generous portion that reheats well. For a different steakhouse-inspired cream experience, check out the garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce for ideas.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips

Use room temperature cream cheese for faster whisking into the sauce.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt carefully, since chicken broth can be salty.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to restore creaminess.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on low heat to avoid separating the sauce.

Flavor variations using existing ingredients only

Extra mozzarella: Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella on top and broil briefly for a bubbly crust.
Garlicky boost: Increase the garlic to 6 cloves for a more pronounced garlic aroma.
Creamier sauce: Add a splash more heavy cream if you prefer a looser, silkier sauce.
Smoky heat: Increase smoked paprika slightly or add an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning for more warmth.

For another cheesy chicken wrap idea using similar flavors, see deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps.

FAQ

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cook chicken pieces until they are golden and no longer pink in the center, about 6 to 8 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 165 F if you use a thermometer.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, you can swap bowtie pasta with a similar-sized shape, but cooking times may vary.
Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
The sauce will thicken slightly on standing. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen it.
Can I skip the cream cheese?
The cream cheese adds body and tang. Omitting it will make the sauce thinner and less rich.
How do I prevent the mozzarella from becoming stringy lumps?
Stir mozzarella into a gently simmering sauce and keep the heat moderate so it melts smoothly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores and reheats well, making it a good option for prepared meals.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and pleases a crowd. If you enjoyed it, you may find inspiration and similar flavor combinations in this version of Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream and the easy Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella for another weeknight favorite. Please try the recipe, tweak it to your taste, and share how it turned out. Enjoy a warm, cheesy bowl and a relaxed evening.

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Print Recipe

Warm, comforting, and impossibly creamy chicken bowties in a cheesy cream sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 25
Total Time: 40
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
1 lb bowtie pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare and season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain and set aside.
Sauté the minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant.
Whisk cream cheese with some heavy cream until smooth, then add to the skillet with chicken broth and remaining heavy cream, stirring until combined.
Once the sauce simmers, add mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Combine the cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Serve immediately, optionally broiling with more mozzarella on top.