Dinner

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream

This creamy, cheesy pasta brings together tender diced chicken, garlic-scented butter, and melted mozzarella over bowtie (farfalle) pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and quick to make on a weeknight. The sauce is silky from heavy cream and butter, and the garlic and parsley brighten each warm, cheesy bite.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories per serving: 820 kcal
Protein: 41 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fat: 49 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2.5 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream

This dish is fast, satisfying, and full of familiar flavors. It pairs simple pantry staples—pasta, butter, garlic, cream, and cheese—with chicken for a hearty meal. The sauce is creamy and coats each bowtie, giving a silky mouthfeel. You’ll love the garlicky aroma while it cooks and the gooey mozzarella pull when you serve it.

How to Make Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream

Follow a few clear steps: cook the pasta, brown the chicken with garlic in butter, add cream and cheese, then toss the pasta into the sauce. The whole process is hands-on but gentle—no complicated techniques required.

Ingredients:

8 oz bowtie pasta
2 chicken breasts, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup butter
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While it heats, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and shred the mozzarella if needed. Measure out the butter and cream and chop the parsley.

Step 2: Mixing

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside. This starchy water can loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 3: Cooking

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring so it doesn’t burn. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded mozzarella until it melts and forms a smooth, cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Finishing

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

How to Serve Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream

Serve this dish straight from the pan for the best texture. Offer a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side to balance richness. A squeeze of lemon or a light drizzle of olive oil adds brightness. It also pairs well with crusty bread to mop up extra sauce and a glass of white wine.

How to Store Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream

Refrigerate: Cool the dish to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between, also works.
Freeze: You can freeze for up to 1 month, but texture may change (cream can separate). Reheat slowly and add a little cream to refresh the sauce.

Expert Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream

Use room-temperature heavy cream and cheese so they melt smoothly.
Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Reserve pasta water — it helps thin the sauce without diluting flavor.
Brown the chicken well for extra flavor; let it sit undisturbed in the pan for 2–3 minutes before stirring.
If your mozzarella is very stringy, mix it with a small pinch of cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Taste and season at the end; cream can mute saltiness, so adjust carefully.
For a lighter finish, swap half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner.

Delicious Variations

Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for color and texture.
Herb Twist: Stir in basil, oregano, or thyme for Italian notes.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Cheesy Swap: Use fontina or provolone with mozzarella for a deeper flavor.
Lemon Garlic: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or shells work well. Choose a shape that holds sauce.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. Reduce cooking time: add chopped cooked chicken when you add the cream so it heats through without drying.

Q: Will the sauce separate if I reheat it?
A: Cream-based sauces can separate if reheated too quickly. Reheat slowly over low heat and add a splash of cream or milk while stirring to re-emulsify.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: For dairy-free, use a plant-based butter, unsweetened oat or cashew cream, and dairy-free shredded cheese. Texture and flavor will change but it remains tasty.

Q: How can I reduce calories or fat?
A: Use half-and-half or light cream, reduce butter to 2–3 tablespoons, and use part-skim mozzarella. Increase vegetables and reduce pasta portion to lower calories per serving.

Q: Do I need to salt the pasta water?
A: Yes. Salting pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside and improves overall flavor. Use about 1–1.5 teaspoons salt per quart of water.

Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: You can dice chicken and shred cheese ahead of time. Cooked pasta and sauce are best freshly combined, but you can assemble and reheat gently.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream recipe is an easy, comforting meal that comes together fast and satisfies a craving for creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s flexible, forgiving, and perfect for weeknights or casual dinners. For the original recipe source and more ideas, see Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream – Cook …. Enjoy cooking — invite friends or family, and serve it warm with a sprinkle of parsley.