Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

This creamy mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties recipe is comfort food at its finest. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken are seared in butter, then folded into a rich, silky cream sauce flavored with garlic, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, creating a luxurious, clingy texture in every forkful. Expect a warm, garlicky aroma as the sauce simmers, and a mellow, cheesy finish that is both indulgent and satisfying. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but impressive, for cozy family meals, or when feeding guests who love creamy pasta. If you enjoy similar flavor combinations, you might also like my cheesy garlic chicken wraps for an easy handheld version.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Short explanation: Use evenly sized pieces so they cook through quickly and uniformly.
4 tbsp butter, divided
Short explanation: Butter adds richness and helps brown the chicken; it is split to sear and to build the sauce.
1 lb bowtie pasta
Short explanation: Bowtie pasta captures sauce in its folds; cook to al dente as directed below.
4 cups heavy cream
Short explanation: The base of the sauce, giving it a silky, luxurious texture.
4 oz cream cheese, softened
Short explanation: Adds body and a tangy creaminess to help thicken the sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
Short explanation: Melts into the sauce for gooey stretch and mild, milky flavor.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Short explanation: Adds savory, nutty depth and helps balance the creaminess.

For a butter-forward pasta idea inspired by this combination, try a variation like cowboy butter chicken pasta.

Step-by-step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in the center and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Tip: Watch the garlic closely to avoid browning, which can cause bitterness.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth and homogenous.
Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan to the simmering sauce, stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the cheese sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve hot with extra mozzarella sprinkled on top if desired.

If you prefer using already cooked poultry, this recipe pairs well with shredded or rotisserie chicken, similar to my creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta approach.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: About 1,235 kcal per serving (approximate)
Note: This is an estimate based on the listed ingredients and may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes. For a lighter portion, serve with a side salad.

For ideas on creamy pasta portioning and similar comfort recipes, see this take on a cheesy rotini dish like creamy Velveeta chicken rotini pasta.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips:
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Keep the heat moderate when adding cream and cheeses to avoid separation.
- If the sauce separates or becomes grainy, whisk in a small splash of hot pasta water to help it come back together.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Freezing:
- Freezing cream-based pasta is not recommended because texture can change after thawing. If you must freeze, cool completely, store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
- Extra cheesy finish: Sprinkle more shredded mozzarella on top before serving for added gooeyness.
- Richer sauce: Stir in a little additional cream cheese while reheating for extra body.
- Sharper bite: Increase the Parmesan slightly to boost savory, nutty notes.

For a handheld twist that uses similar flavors, check this related idea for deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps.

FAQ

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Keep heat moderate, add cheeses gradually, and whisk in reserved pasta water if needed.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any sturdy pasta that holds sauce will work, but do not change cooking times from package directions.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
This recipe relies on heavy cream for texture, so substitutes may change the final result.
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
You can cook components ahead, but finish combining and reheating shortly before serving for best texture.
How long do leftovers last?
Store refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making these Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties for a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels special with minimal effort. If you want a baked, buttery variation with mozzarella, this recipe is a great reference point like Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella. For another pasta-forward take on garlic butter chicken with bowties, see this similar idea at Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta. Please give the recipe a try, leave a comment, and share a photo if you make it so others can enjoy this creamy comfort meal.

Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Print Recipe

This creamy mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties recipe is comfort food at its finest with a rich, silky cream sauce and tender pieces of chicken.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Pescatarian

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tbsp butter, divided
1 lb bowtie pasta
4 cups heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in the center and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Tip: Watch the garlic closely to avoid browning, which can cause bitterness.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth and homogenous.
Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan to the simmering sauce, stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the cheese sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve hot with extra mozzarella sprinkled on top if desired.