Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Looking for the ultimate cozy comfort meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl? You're in the right place. This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream recipe is everything you could want in a comforting pasta dish—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s got tender chicken, golden garlic butter, melty mozzarella, and farfalle pasta (aka bowties!) all tossed together in a cheesy, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.

I first made this dish on a chilly Friday night when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. To my surprise, it came together in under 40 minutes, and by the end of dinner, my family was already asking for it again. It’s since become one of our go-to meals for lazy evenings, special gatherings, or anytime we want something indulgent yet easy.

Whether you're feeding picky eaters, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes: easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and totally customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melty, Cheesy Goodness

Let’s be real—cheese makes everything better. And this recipe doubles down with a rich blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. The mozzarella melts beautifully into the creamy sauce, making it stretchy, gooey, and indulgent, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, savory depth that balances it all out.

Simple Pantry Ingredients

You won’t need to hunt down fancy ingredients here. In fact, you probably have most of what you need already:

• Garlic

• Olive oil

• Chicken

• Cream

• Butter

• Pasta
  They all come together in a way that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Quick & Easy for Busy Days

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 40, this dish is ideal for weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and homemade. It all comes together in one skillet—less mess, more flavor.

Totally Customizable

Whether you want to toss in some spinach, swap the chicken for shrimp, or kick up the heat with extra red pepper flakes, this recipe plays nice with whatever you throw at it. It’s one of those recipes that you can make your own over and over again.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this cozy pasta dish:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) – This pasta shape isn’t just cute—it holds sauce beautifully with its little folds and ridges.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps you get that golden sear on the chicken.

• 1 lb chicken breast – Lean, protein-packed, and perfect when sautéed until juicy and golden.

• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and depth when melted with garlic.

• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fragrant and bold, garlic is the heart of this sauce.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings a comforting, savory base.

• 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Seasoning that brings everything to life. The red pepper gives it just a whisper of heat.

• 1½ cups heavy cream – For that ultra-smooth, silky sauce you’ll want to scoop up with bread.

• ½ cup chicken broth – Adds flavor without weighing the sauce down.

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Sharp and nutty, it melts perfectly into the cream.

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The star of the show, giving you that signature stretch.

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – A fresh, bright finish to cut through the richness.

How to Make Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Ready to bring this creamy, garlicky dream to life? Let’s walk through it together—step by step. Don’t worry, it’s totally beginner-friendly and only uses one skillet (plus a pot for the pasta). By the end, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your plate will look like it came from a cozy Italian bistro.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente—you want it tender but with a little bite.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook! The pasta will soak up some of the sauce later.
Drain, rinse lightly, and set aside.

2. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken cubes, then season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute—just until fragrant, not browned.

4. Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and become silky.

5. Add Parmesan Cheese
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in the grated Parmesan, letting it melt slowly into the sauce.
👉 It should turn smooth, creamy, and slightly thick.

6. Combine Chicken & Pasta
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add in the bowtie pasta, tossing everything together to coat it evenly in the cheesy sauce.

7. Top with Mozzarella
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the pasta.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.

8. Garnish & Serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Serve hot—and get ready for compliments!

What to Serve with This Recipe

This dish is rich and comforting on its own, but a few simple pairings can turn it into a well-rounded meal or an elegant dinner for guests.

Suggested Pairings

Breads:

• Garlic bread (because there’s never too much garlic!)

• Crusty sourdough to mop up that creamy sauce

Drinks:

• A crisp Chardonnay complements the richness perfectly

• Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option

Sides:

• Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus

• Classic Caesar salad for crunch and contrast

Desserts:

• Tiramisu for an Italian-inspired finish

• Vanilla bean ice cream for something simple and sweet

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe? It’s flexible! Here are a few ideas to switch things up based on your cravings, dietary needs, or whatever’s in your fridge.

Add Veggies

Want to sneak in some greens or make it a bit more wholesome? Toss in:

• Fresh spinach (add at the same time as the chicken)

• Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy burst

• Sautéed mushrooms for umami richness

Make it Spicy

If you love a little heat, go for it:

• Increase the red pepper flakes

• Stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste

• Swap plain chicken for spicy Italian sausage

Gluten-Free Option

Yes, you can still enjoy this cheesy goodness:

• Use gluten-free bowtie pasta or any shape you prefer

• Double-check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free

Extra Creamy

Want that ultra-silky, almost Alfredo-like texture?

• Add 2 oz of cream cheese to the sauce before the Parmesan

• It melts in beautifully and gives it an extra luscious finish

Storage Instructions

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, it stores surprisingly well—perfect for next-day lunches or prepping ahead for busy weeks.

Room Temperature Storage

It’s best to serve this dish right away while the sauce is creamy and the mozzarella is still melty. If it sits out too long, the texture can thicken or dry out.

Pro tip: Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to keep things food-safe.

Refrigeration Tips

Got leftovers? Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep that sauce silky.

Freezing Instructions

This recipe freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly over low heat to avoid separating the sauce. Add a bit of cream if needed to refresh it.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are a few helpful pointers that’ll take your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable:

• Don’t overcook the pasta – You want it al dente so it doesn't turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.

• Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheeses have additives that prevent smooth melting.

• Brown the chicken well – Let it get golden and caramelized for deeper flavor.

• Add pasta water – If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of the starchy pasta water brings it right back to life.

• Let the mozzarella melt naturally – Once you top the pasta with cheese, cover the skillet and let it melt gently—no need to stir!

These small steps make a big difference in both texture and taste.

Related Recipes

If you loved this creamy pasta dish, you might enjoy these:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe – Another garlic-forward comfort dish.

• Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe – Perfect for lovers of creamy sauces.

• Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe – A simple and tasty cousin to this recipe.

• Easy Chicken Broccoli Baked Alfredo – Add veggies to the creaminess.

• Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta – For a flavorful sausage twist.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to cut back a bit on the added salt in the recipe so it doesn’t end up too salty.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, especially whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be lighter and less rich. If you want a compromise, try half milk, half cream.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not really—it’s mild and family-friendly. The ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, but you can leave them out or double them if you want heat.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Totally! It’s a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken and stir it in when you add the pasta and sauce together. Easy and delicious.

Can I bake it in the oven instead of the skillet?

Yes! After assembling everything, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Great for serving guests!

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about a dish that combines creamy sauce, melty cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta—and Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream absolutely delivers. This dish is more than just pasta; it's comfort in a bowl. Whether you're hosting guests or just treating yourself on a Tuesday night, Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream offers the perfect balance of richness, flavor, and ease.

Once you try it, it might just become your new weeknight favorite. And the best part? You can customize this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream recipe to suit your mood or pantry staples.

If you loved this creamy pasta recipe, leave a comment and share your twist on Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream!

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