Comfort Food Meets Gourmet Flair

Inspired by Cheryl’s Cooking, Tasty Simplytastysimply.com, and Full Recipy, this dish brings together the heartiness of comfort food with the elegance of gourmet flair. Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is the perfect choice for creamy sauces because its ridges and folds capture every drop of flavor. The combination of tender chicken seared in garlic butter and a velvety mozzarella cream sauce creates a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something special, offering richness without being overly complicated. The garlic butter infuses the chicken with savory depth, while the mozzarella cream sauce adds a luscious finish that clings beautifully to the pasta. Whether served at a family table or shared at a potluck, this dish embodies the best of both worlds—comforting, satisfying, and elevated with a touch of gourmet charm.

What Is Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce?

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a pasta dish that blends everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. At its core, it features juicy chicken breast or thighs cooked in garlic butter until golden and flavorful. The chicken is then tossed with bowtie pasta, which provides the perfect texture for holding onto creamy sauces. The star of the dish is the mozzarella cream sauce, made with cream, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan for a rich, velvety finish. This sauce envelops the pasta and chicken, creating a decadent yet balanced flavor profile. Despite its indulgent taste, the recipe is weeknight-friendly, requiring simple steps and readily available ingredients. It’s versatile enough to adapt with add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, making it customizable to your preferences. The result is a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but can be made easily at home.

Ingredient Overview

The ingredients for this dish are straightforward yet carefully chosen to maximize flavor:

Protein: Chicken breast or thighs provide tender, juicy bites. Thighs add richness, while breasts keep it lean.
Pasta: Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is ideal for creamy sauces, as its shape holds sauce in every fold.
Sauce base: Butter and garlic form the foundation, while cream, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan create a luxurious, velvety sauce.
Seasonings: Italian herbs, paprika, and optional Cajun spice add depth and complexity.
Optional add-ins: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can be incorporated for extra flavor and texture.

Tip: Always use freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded. Fresh mozzarella melts more smoothly and avoids the grainy texture that packaged cheese can sometimes produce.

Together, these ingredients create a dish that balances richness with freshness, indulgence with comfort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the chicken: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 cup of cream, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add Italian herbs and adjust seasoning.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated in sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Finish: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Tip: Adding pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to the bowties.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ons

This dish is highly adaptable. For a spicy Cajun version, season the chicken with Cajun spice and add chili flakes to the sauce. For a creamy spinach and mushroom variation, sauté mushrooms with garlic and stir in fresh spinach at the end. For a sun-dried tomato and basil twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce and finish with extra basil. Each variation brings a new dimension, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your mood or occasion while keeping the comforting essence intact.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with garlic bread for a classic pairing or a crisp green salad for balance. Pair with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea for a casual option. This dish is perfect for family dinners, offering a hearty centerpiece that everyone will enjoy. It also works beautifully for potlucks, as the creamy sauce keeps the pasta moist and flavorful even after sitting. Whether plated elegantly or served family-style, this recipe delivers comfort and gourmet flair in every bite.