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; 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

Warm, comforting, and richly flavored, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a weeknight winner. Tender bite-sized chicken, garlicky butter, and a silky mozzarella cream cling to bowtie pasta for a dish that tastes indulgent without being complicated. Expect a creamy, slightly stretchy mozzarella texture, a fragrant garlic aroma, and a balanced savory finish from Italian seasoning. The pasta provides a pleasant chew while the sauce coats every nook of the bowties. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, casual date nights, or any time you want a filling meal with minimal fuss. If you enjoy creamy pasta recipes with bold garlic flavor, you might also like this take on a savory tortellini dish, which pairs the same comforting cream flavors with hearty steak: cracked garlic steak tortellini creamhouse sauce.

Ingredients

2 cups bowtie pasta, enough to feed about 3 to 4 people when sauced.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
2 tablespoons olive oil, used to brown the chicken and add depth of flavor.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, for a rich garlic butter and silkier sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced, for aromatic, savory flavor.
1 cup heavy cream, the base that creates the luscious, creamy sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, melts into a stretchy, mild cheese sauce.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, adds herbaceous notes and balances the cream.
Salt and pepper to taste, to season the chicken and sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped, for a bright, fresh garnish.

For another hearty, bread bowl style comfort pasta, see this easy option for serving creamy chicken in a bread bowl: chicken alfredo garlic bread bowls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve a splash of the pasta cooking water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
Tip: Stop cooking the pasta about 1 minute before the package time for the best texture after tossing with sauce.
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.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. Browning in a single layer gives better flavor.
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 gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Allow the cream to warm through for a minute to bloom the herbs.
Gradually add the mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Make sure the pasta is heated through and the cheese is fully integrated.
For more ideas on creamy chicken pasta presentations you can try at home, check this similar recipe: chicken alfredo garlic bread bowls recipe.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined to give the sauce a glossy finish.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 815 kcal per serving

If you enjoy creamy rotisserie-style chicken pasta, you may also appreciate this comforting option: creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
- For even cooking, cut the chicken into similar sized pieces.
- Keep the heat moderate when melting mozzarella to prevent grainy texture.
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 reserved pasta water if needed.
- Do not store at room temperature for extended periods.
Freezing
- Freezing cream-based pasta can change texture. If you must freeze, cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stovetop, stirring to recombine.
Flavor Variations using existing ingredients only
- Extra garlic boost: add another clove or two of minced garlic when sautéing.
- Butter-forward: stir an extra tablespoon of butter into the finished dish for a richer mouthfeel.
- More cheesy: increase the mozzarella to 1 1/4 cups for a slightly thicker, cheese-forward sauce.
- Herb-forward: add a touch more Italian seasoning for a brighter herbal note.
  For another creamy chicken pasta idea with rotisserie flavors, try this version: creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape with this recipe?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle will work and hold the sauce well.
How do I prevent the mozzarella from becoming stringy or grainy?
Add mozzarella gradually over low to medium heat and stir constantly for a smooth melt.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the components and keep them separate in the fridge, then combine and reheat just before serving.
Is heavy cream necessary for the sauce?
Heavy cream gives the richest texture. Using a lighter dairy will change the sauce consistency.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
How can I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the sauce before combining with pasta and add salt or pepper gradually to reach the desired balance.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a cozy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor. If you want another take on this theme, try the Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream for a similar indulgence Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream, or explore a closely related version at Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce for more inspiration Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this creamy, garlicky pasta. Serve it hot, garnish with parsley, and savor the comforting flavors.