Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Nothing makes a weeknight dinner more comforting than a big skillet of garlic butter chicken bowties with cheesy mozzarella cream sauce bubbling on the stove. This fast and easy pasta recipe will change how you do quick family dinners, serving cozy Italian restaurant style flavor in under thirty minutes with only ten minutes of prep time. With rich creamy chicken and stretchy melted mozzarella, it is the perfect solution for a satisfying meal when you are short on time or want something extra special.

My very first attempt at garlic butter chicken bowties with cheesy mozzarella cream sauce was for a winter birthday dinner when I wanted something easy yet a bit indulgent. This dish instantly became my go to for creamy chicken pasta cravings because it combined all the flavors my family loves, especially the stretchy melted cheese and golden browned chicken. Over time we have made it our own by finishing it with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, and now it disappears every time I serve it for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Bowtie pasta or farfalle: Holds plenty of sauce and offers a playful shape; look for bronze cut or imported for best bite, or swap with rotini or gluten free pasta if needed
• Unsalted butter: Brings a rich depth and lets you control saltiness; choose European style for extra creaminess, or sub with plant based butter for dairy free
• Olive oil: Keeps chicken juicy while searing; use extra virgin for fresher flavor but regular olive oil works if that is what you have
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cooks quickly and stays lean; boneless thighs can be used for more juiciness, or use rotisserie for extra convenience
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost flavor on every chicken bite; if you are out, use a bit more fresh garlic or shallots
• Salt and black pepper: Seasons and enhances the sauce; adjust to taste especially if using salted butter or Parmesan
• Fresh garlic cloves: Create intense aroma and flavor; always mince just before cooking for the boldest taste—substitute with jarred if in a pinch
• Heavy cream: Gives a silky, decadent base; substitute with half and half for a lighter version or unsweetened oat cream for dairy free
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smooth and stretchy for classic creamy pull; use whole milk mozzarella for best results, or a quality plant based cheese alternative
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty sharpness and balances cream; freshly grated is best, but pre grated works in a rush
• Italian seasoning: Blends classic herbs for instant restaurant flavor; use your own dried mix if preferred
• Fresh parsley: Brings color and freshness to finish; swap for basil for a bigger herbal punch as you like

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Boil the Bowtie Pasta for Perfect Texture:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil and add dry bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package directions, usually ten to twelve minutes, stirring every few for even cooking. Drain as soon as it is al dente and reserve a cup of pasta water to thin the sauce later if needed; keeping the noodles slightly firm ensures they do not become mushy when tossed in the creamy cheese sauce.

Sear the Chicken in Garlic Butter for Rich Flavor:

Heat a large deep skillet on medium heat then melt unsalted butter with olive oil until bubbling. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sprinkle immediately with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for six to eight minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through; avoid overcrowding for perfect searing instead of steaming, and if needed, cook in batches. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm.

Build the Cheesy Garlic Cream Sauce:

Add freshly minced garlic to the same skillet over medium heat and sauté for around one minute, stirring constantly as garlic burns quickly. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping up any brown bits for extra flavor richness. Lower the heat and gently bubble for three to four minutes until just starting to thicken, providing the lush, creamy texture that hugs the pasta and chicken.

Melt in the Cheeses for Ultimate Creaminess:

Gradually stir in shredded mozzarella by the handful, then add grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Mix constantly over low heat until all cheese is thoroughly melted and the sauce is smooth, stretchy, and creamy. If the sauce thickens too much at this stage, add reserved pasta water bit by bit for perfect sauciness.

Finish and Assemble the Pasta:

Add drained pasta and seared chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything gently so every bowtie is coated with sauce and the chicken is distributed evenly. Let cook together for two more minutes so flavors blend and the dish is hot throughout. Taste, then adjust salt and pepper before serving.

Garnish and Serve Warm:

Top with chopped fresh parsley for brightness and color, and add extra Parmesan if you want more cheesy depth. Serve the creamy chicken pasta immediately so everyone enjoys the irresistible texture and melty mozzarella at its best.

The first time I tried this recipe, I experimented by finishing it in the oven for five minutes with extra mozzarella sprinkled on top and absolutely loved the bubbly golden crust that formed. Now that trick is a regular family request when we want our pasta extra gooey and cheesy. This creamy chicken pasta is loaded with protein from both the tender chicken pieces and the rich cheese, while the sauce only gets more flavorful as leftovers rest for lunch the next day.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Garlic butter chicken bowties with cheesy mozzarella cream sauce adapts easily to your needs. For more juiciness, swap chicken breast for boneless thighs, or for even faster prep, use leftover rotisserie chicken. Lighten it up by substituting half and half in place of heavy cream or choose low fat mozzarella for less richness. To make it gluten free, use chickpea or rice based pasta. Add steamed broccoli, baby spinach, or peas in the final minutes for extra color and nutrition, and for a bolder flavor, include sun dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes in the sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Allow garlic butter chicken bowties with cheesy mozzarella cream sauce to cool fully before storing in shallow airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to three days for best flavor and safety. For freezer storage, portion into freezer safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth until creamy, or microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway to prevent the pasta from drying out. Preparing the sauce and chicken a day ahead and tossing with fresh pasta before serving also preserves the best texture for meal prep.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

This cheesy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or warm Italian rolls provide the perfect way to soak up leftover sauce, while roasted asparagus or carrots make it a balanced plate for families or gatherings. For special occasions, offer lightly chilled pinot grigio or sparkling water with herbs for a refreshing drink pairing, and add a simple fruit dessert like berries and cream to finish the meal on a light note.

Nutritional Benefits

Bowtie chicken pasta with mozzarella cream sauce delivers filling protein from chicken and cheese along with calcium for healthy bones. Olive oil and fresh herbs provide healthy fats and antioxidants that round out the dish’s nutrition. Easily made nut free and gluten free with the right pasta, each serving contains around 600 calories and offers a balanced main meal of carbs, protein, and fats, making it a satisfying and wholesome comfort dinner for families.

Recipe Success Tips

If the sauce breaks or separates, whisk in a splash of milk or pasta water over low heat to bring it back together. Taste for saltiness at the end as cheeses can add extra salt. If your skillet does not fit everything, combine pasta and chicken in a large mixing bowl and pour the sauce over to toss evenly. Always use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt, and never overcook chicken so it stays juicy. Keep the heat low after adding cream and cheese to avoid scorching the sauce and to keep it consistently creamy.

Garlic butter chicken bowties with cheesy mozzarella cream sauce delivers ultimate creamy comfort in under thirty minutes for a no fuss, family pleasing dinner. Try making it your own with a favorite pasta shape or a twist on the sauce and enjoy new favorite weeknights around the table.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well if you don't have bowtie pasta on hand.

→ How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Let the cream simmer gently and stir cheeses in gradually for a silky, smooth texture.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Try adding spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

→ What protein alternatives work with this meal?

Turkey, shrimp, or tofu can be used in place of chicken for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream if needed.