Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce

If you’re searching for a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce. Tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a luscious, cheesy sauce combine for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.

This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or special occasions where you want a home-cooked meal that feels decadent but is surprisingly easy to make. Every bite delivers garlic-infused butter, creamy cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken—a combination that will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and cheesy: Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese create a velvety sauce.
• Protein-packed: Tender bite-sized chicken adds heartiness.
• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes for stress-free meals.
• Comfort food classic: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
• Customizable: Adjust spices, add vegetables, or swap pasta types.
• Flavorful: Garlic butter and Cajun seasoning give it a restaurant-quality taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Pasta

• 1 pound bowtie pasta

Chicken & Seasoning

• 1.5 pounds boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet for chicken and sauce
• Whisk for sauce
• Tongs or spatula for tossing chicken and pasta
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
4. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Reduce heat to low and add 3/4 cup mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and lump-free.
2. Toss the cooked bowtie pasta in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

1. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
2. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet on top of the cheesy pasta.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a rich, indulgent pasta meal.

Tips & Variations

• Pasta alternatives: Fettuccine, penne, or rotini work beautifully.
• Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or roasted bell peppers can add color and nutrition.
• Spice level: Increase Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
• Lightened version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Make-ahead: Cook chicken and pasta separately; assemble and reheat with sauce just before serving.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Rich, creamy, garlicky, and cheesy with perfectly seasoned chicken.
• Texture: Smooth, velvety sauce with tender chicken and al dente pasta.
• Serving suggestions: Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	780 kcal
Protein	45 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	45 g
Saturated Fat	25 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	850 mg
Sugar	2 g

Dietary notes: High-protein, gluten-free if using GF pasta, indulgent comfort food.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store pasta, chicken, and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to maintain creamy texture.
• Do not freeze cream-based pasta sauces as they may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw completely before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

2. Can I substitute another pasta type?
Absolutely—fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work well.

3. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep heat low when adding cheeses and stir continuously. Avoid boiling.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or roasted peppers enhance nutrition and color.

5. Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bowtie pasta.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep ingredients	5 min
Cook pasta	10 min
Cook chicken	8 min
Make cheese sauce & toss	7–8 min
Assemble & garnish	2–3 min
Total Time	30–35 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot straight from the skillet for a family-style dinner.
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance richness.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for visual appeal.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cajun: Add extra Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Veggie-loaded: Incorporate spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers.
3. Cheese upgrade: Mix in Gouda or Fontina with mozzarella for a deeper flavor.
4. Lightened version: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken

• Selection: Use fresh, high-quality boneless chicken for tenderness and flavor.
• Tip: Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Bowtie Pasta

• Selection: Regular or gluten-free bowtie pasta works.
• Tip: Toss with a little olive oil after cooking to prevent sticking before adding sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sauté garlic only until fragrant to prevent bitterness.
• Whisk cream cheese thoroughly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• Cook chicken over medium-high heat to achieve a golden crust.
• Combine pasta with sauce immediately to ensure each piece is coated evenly.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.
• Freezing: Not recommended for cream-based sauces, as texture may separate.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Component	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties	780	45 g	55 g	45 g	3 g

Dietary notes: High-protein comfort food, gluten-free option available, indulgent and cheesy.

Expanded Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort meal: creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and full of tender, flavorful chicken. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

Every bite combines rich sauce, tender pasta, and golden chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a light salad or roasted vegetables, garnish with parsley, and enjoy a hearty, indulgent meal that will quickly become a household favorite.

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