Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz. bowtie pasta; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Warm, creamy, and deeply comforting, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe brings together tender shredded chicken and pillowy bowtie pasta in a rich garlic cream sauce. The sauce is buttery and silky from heavy cream and butter, with a mellow bite from freshly minced garlic. Mozzarella adds that lovely, gooey cheese pull, while grated Parmesan contributes a nutty, savory finish. Each forkful balances creamy richness with the light chew of al dente pasta, and the aroma of garlic and melted cheese fills the kitchen in minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and fast, or for casual gatherings where everyone loves a saucy, cheesy pasta. If you like handheld versions of these flavors, try a related option like cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a different presentation.

Ingredients

8 oz. bowtie pasta, the base of the dish that holds sauce in its nooks and crannies.
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken, cooked and shredded for quick protein and texture.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, provides a rich, silky foundation for the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced, offers fresh aromatic bite and savory depth.
1 cup heavy cream, creates the creamy, luscious sauce body.
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, gives gooey stretch and mild cheesiness.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, adds sharp, savory umami and helps thicken the sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste, essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish, brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Tip: Reserving the starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce later if it becomes too thick.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. Watch closely so the garlic does not burn.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Keep the heat moderate so the cream does not boil vigorously.
Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheeses melt into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Add the drained bowtie pasta and the shredded chicken to the skillet and toss gently to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes just to warm the chicken through.
Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving. Serve immediately, or top with extra cheese and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden if you prefer a crusty finish. For a similar hearty pasta with a different protein, see this garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: approximately 880 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Keep the heat moderate when simmering cream to prevent separation. Stir cheeses in off heat if the pan is very hot, to avoid grainy sauce.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency.
Freezing: This dish freezes okay but cheese texture may change. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Flavor variations using only the existing ingredients: Increase the garlic to 6 cloves for a bolder garlic profile. Add extra mozzarella before broiling for an extra bubbly top. Swap parsley for basil to shift the herbal note. Add more heavy cream if you prefer a looser, silkier sauce. For a more pronounced savory bite, increase the Parmesan to 3/4 cup.

For another comforting chicken pasta idea with buttery notes, check out this cowboy butter chicken pasta.

FAQ

How do I keep the sauce from becoming grainy?
Keep heat moderate and stir cheeses in as the pan cools slightly. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to smooth the sauce.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any pasta that holds sauce works. Bowties are ideal for catching sauce, but similar shapes are fine.
Is pre-cooked chicken okay to use?
Yes. Cooked, shredded chicken is perfect and speeds up preparation.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for best texture.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Leftovers keep up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

I hope this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties becomes a go-to for cozy dinners and easy gatherings. If you enjoy variations on garlic butter chicken with melted cheese, you might like the richer twist in Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream or the baked version in Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar. Please try the recipe, tweak it to your taste, and share how it turned out for your family or friends. Enjoy a warm, cheesy plate and a cozy meal time.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Print Recipe

Warm, creamy, and comforting, Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties combines tender chicken with bowtie pasta in a rich garlic 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: None

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz. bowtie pasta
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheeses melt into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the drained bowtie pasta and the shredded chicken to the skillet and toss gently to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes just to warm the chicken through.
Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving. Serve immediately, or top with extra cheese and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden if you prefer a crusty finish.