Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner obsession: Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream. This rich and hearty pasta dish is everything comfort food should be—creamy, cheesy, and filled with golden, garlicky chicken bites that melt in your mouth.

Perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner date at home, the combination of buttery garlic sauce, mozzarella cheese, and tender bowtie pasta creates an irresistible flavor harmony. The golden-browned chicken pieces bring a savory punch that pairs flawlessly with the creamy sauce coating each pasta bowtie.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use v

Before diving into this creamy pasta goodness, make sure you have everything prepped and ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is key for getting that delicious golden crust on the chicken and sautéing the garlic to perfection.
Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: A roomy pot helps the bowtie pasta cook evenly without sticking together.
Colander: Essential for draining the pasta while keeping the texture just right.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These tools let you stir without scratching your cookware, especially when incorporating cheese into the sauce.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: You’ll need to cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic for bold flavor.

Having these tools on hand streamlines your cooking process, helping you focus on getting the chicken juicy and the cream sauce smooth and velvety.

Ingredients for the Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Chicken Breast: The heart of the dish, providing a juicy protein base that absorbs all the garlic butter flavor.
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Holds the creamy sauce beautifully in its folds while adding a playful shape and perfect texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce to give it that stretchy, cheesy goodness that makes this dish indulgent.

Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, velvety base for the sauce.
Garlic (Fresh Minced): The star aromatic that elevates the butter and chicken with a deep, savory kick.
Butter: Used to sauté the garlic and sear the chicken, giving everything a golden, flavorful finish.

Olive Oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a layer of richness.
Parsley (Fresh or Dried): Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the creaminess.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning for both the chicken and sauce to bring out all the flavors.

How To Make the Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. This forms the aromatic foundation of your cream sauce.

Step 3: Create the Cheesy Cream Sauce

Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to deglaze the skillet. Once the cream begins to simmer, add shredded mozzarella and stir until completely melted into a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

While the sauce is coming together, boil your bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

How to Serve and Store Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

This dish is best served hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. The creamy mozzarella sauce clings beautifully to the bowtie pasta when it’s warm, and the chicken stays tender and juicy. Garnish with extra parsley or even a touch of grated Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp side salad to round out the meal, especially if you’re serving guests.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce without drying it out. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream content, so enjoy it fresh or within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the mozzarella sauce from getting stringy?

Use freshly shredded mozzarella and stir continuously on low heat. Avoid overheating, as high heat can make the cheese rubbery.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells work just as well—just pick one that holds sauce nicely.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it in after the sauce is ready and let it warm through. You won’t get the same seared flavor, but it’s a great time-saver.

Can I make this dish lighter?

Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative. It won’t be as rich, but still creamy and satisfying.

What vegetables pair well with this?

Steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes make excellent additions without overpowering the dish.

Can I make it spicy?

Sure! Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter step or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream, don’t miss these other flavor-packed favorites from the blog:

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for an all-in-one comfort dish.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce if you crave extra garlicky goodness.
Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta when you want a sweet and tangy twist.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a cozy, homestyle bake.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet if you’re in the mood for bold restaurant-style flavor.

Save This Recipe for Later

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And if you give it a try, leave a comment below! Did you add a veggie twist or more cheese? Maybe tossed in a splash of white wine? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—and if you have questions, I’m here for that too.

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is a rich, indulgent pasta dish featuring juicy seared chicken, garlic butter sauce, and a creamy mozzarella blend that hugs every bite of farfalle. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but decadent enough to serve guests!

Instructions

1. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and stir to deglaze.

5. Add shredded mozzarella, stirring until melted and creamy.

6. In a separate pot, boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

7. Return the chicken to the sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.