Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups bowtie pasta, uncooked; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without a lot of fuss. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces seared in olive oil meet silky mozzarella cream that clings to every bowtie, giving a rich, creamy mouthfeel and a gentle pull from the melted cheese. The garlic and butter create an inviting aroma while Italian seasoning adds a warm, herby background note. This dish delivers a mix of comforting textures, from al dente pasta to soft, juicy chicken and a velvety sauce. It is ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or any evening you want something satisfying and simple. If you enjoy creamy pasta with a garlicky kick, you may also like a hearty option like garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce for a different protein twist.

Ingredients

2 cups bowtie pasta, uncooked, for the base of the dish and to soak up the sauce.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, for tender protein pieces.
2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning the chicken and adding depth of flavor.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, for a rich, glossy finish to the sauce and extra richness.
4 cloves garlic, minced, for bright, aromatic flavor.
1 cup heavy cream, to create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for stretchy, mild, melty cheesiness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, for a balanced blend of dried herbs.
Salt and pepper to taste, to season the chicken and sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped, for a bright, fresh garnish.

You can read a quick idea for serving creamy chicken in a wrap format in case you want to transform leftovers into handheld meals with inspiration from cheesy garlic chicken wraps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Tip: Save a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Small tip: Do not overcrowd the pan so the chicken browns nicely.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Watch the garlic closely so it does not burn.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Let the cream simmer gently to thicken slightly.
Gradually add the mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce and heated through.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

For an alternative chicken preparation that uses similar garlic techniques, see a related method in deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 800 calories per serving

For a related pasta and beef combination that plays well with cheese and butter flavors, check out garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get better browning. Add the mozzarella gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping. If the sauce tightens up too much, use reserved pasta water a little at a time.
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 cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: This dish is best frozen without the pasta to preserve texture. Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat, then toss with freshly cooked bowtie pasta.
Flavor variations using only the existing ingredients: Increase garlic for a stronger garlicky profile or add an extra tablespoon of butter for a richer finish. Stir more mozzarella into the sauce for a cheesier, stretchier result. For a herb-forward twist, sprinkle additional Italian seasoning into the sauce as it simmers. For inspiration on a different pasta-cheese combination, you might like this creamy tortellini idea at cheesesteak tortellini creamy provolone sauce delight.

FAQ

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

Q: Is mozzarella the best cheese for this recipe?
A: Mozzarella melts smoothly and gives a mild, stretchy texture, which suits this creamy sauce very well.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and stir constantly while adding cheese. Do not boil vigorously.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Using lower-fat dairy may thin the sauce and change the texture. If you use it, simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

Q: How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Chicken pieces should be opaque throughout and reach an internal temperature of 165 F if measured. Cook until juices run clear.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that delivers creamy texture, garlicky aroma, and satisfying cheesy flavor. If you enjoyed this recipe and want to explore a very similar version with a slightly different twist, see the recipe for Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream for variation ideas. For another take on this combination of garlic, butter, chicken, and mozzarella, try the version titled Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce. I hope you give this dish a try and share how it turned out with your friends and family. Enjoy a cozy, delicious meal.