Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce a savory garlic butter chicken meets perfectly cooked bowtie pasta in this indulgent, creamy mozzarella sauce. I love how the mozzarella melts into a rich, velvety coating that clings to every piece of pasta and tender chicken bite. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but comes together easily on a busy night—comforting, cheesy, and always a hit.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions, then drain it and set it aside.

While that cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

I add the cubed chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I cook it until golden and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Then I remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. I sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until it's fragrant.

I sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for about a minute to create a smooth roux.

Next, I slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.

I stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer until thickened and creamy, around 3–5 minutes.

I return the chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything to coat it all well in the cheesy sauce.

To finish, I sprinkle on chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if I’m in the mood. Then I serve it warm.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: Approximately 610 kcal per serving

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I swap the chicken for Italian sausage or shrimp. Sometimes I stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to add a bit more color and texture. I’ve even used penne or rotini instead of bowties when that’s what I have in the pantry. For a spicier version, I increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I like to do it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.

FAQs

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

I sometimes use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of cream cheese when I don’t have heavy cream on hand. It won’t be quite as rich but still delicious.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours ahead and just reheat it before serving. I find that the flavors meld even more when it sits for a bit.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The cheesy garlic flavor is usually a hit with kids. If I’m serving picky eaters, I skip the red pepper flakes.

Can I freeze this dish?

While I prefer eating it fresh, I’ve frozen it successfully. I store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is one of those meals I turn to when I need comfort and flavor in one satisfying dish. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with garlicky goodness that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and pasta. Whether I’m making it for guests or just craving something cozy, this recipe never disappoints.

Recipe:

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a rich, comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, garlic butter, and a velvety mozzarella cream sauce tossed with bowtie pasta. It's easy to prepare yet full of gourmet flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add cubed chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to coat well with the sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.