Easy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Recipe | Pasta with Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy — these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties are tossed in a luscious mozzarella cream sauce. Tender chicken, buttery garlic, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta come together for a comforting dinner that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board & knife
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite‑sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half‑and‑half for lighter version)
- 1 cup mozzarella, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- ½ tsp paprika (or Cajun spice, optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional add‑ins: spinach, mushrooms, sun‑dried tomatoes
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Cook chicken: In a skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, add cream, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add Italian herbs and adjust seasoning.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss everything together. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Finish: Garnish with parsley or basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make‑ahead: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of milk. Avoid microwaving to preserve sauce texture.
- Freezing: Freeze sauce separately for best results; add fresh pasta and chicken when reheating.
- Variations: Try Cajun spice for heat, spinach and mushrooms for earthiness, or sun‑dried tomatoes for brightness.
- Pairings: Serve with garlic bread or salad, and pair with white wine or iced tea.