Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Introduction
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is comfort food at its finest. Tender bowtie pasta is coated in a silky garlic butter cream sauce, then pulled together with shredded rotisserie chicken and two kinds of cheese for a rich, gooey finish. The aroma of melted butter and garlic fills the kitchen, while the texture ranges from al dente pasta to creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken in every bite. It is ideal for weeknight dinners, casual family gatherings, or when you want a simple yet indulgent meal ready in about 30 minutes. If you love one-pan, creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy a similar handheld idea like these cheesy chicken garlic wraps for a quick lunch or snack.

Ingredients

8 oz. bowtie pasta (Cooks until al dente), dry pasta; bowties hold sauce well and provide a pleasant bite.
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience), ready-to-use protein that keeps the dish quick.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (Melted), provides a rich, silky base for the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced (Adds aroma and flavor), fresh garlic brightens the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream (Create a rich and creamy sauce), makes the sauce decadent and smooth.
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (Melts into a gooey sauce), gives stretchy, mild cheesiness.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Adds depth of flavor), adds a nutty, salty finish.
to taste Salt and pepper (For seasoning), adjust to your preference to enhance flavor.
for garnish Fresh parsley or basil (Adds freshness to the dish), brightens the rich sauce when sprinkled on top.

If you like similar pasta ideas, you can compare textures with this beef and bowtie version in another recipe reference below in the instructions section.

Step-by-step Instructions

Preparation
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz. bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Small tip: reserving cooking water helps loosen the sauce later if it becomes too thick.
2. While the pasta cooks, shred 2 cups cooked chicken and mince 4 cloves garlic. Measure the cheeses and cream so everything is ready to go.
Building the Sauce
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 cup unsalted butter and let it melt gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
2. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Add 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan to the cream, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, glossy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve
1. Add the drained bowtie pasta and 2 cups shredded chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated and heated through.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
3. Serve immediately while hot and melty. Tip: For an extra golden top, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella, and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until just bubbly and lightly browned.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties as much as I enjoyed writing the recipe. For a similar creamy and cheesy take, you might like this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream recipe, which offers a comparable cheese-forward finish Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream. If you want a baked, melty version with a golden top, check this Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella for inspiration Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar. Enjoy the cozy, garlicky comfort and please share your results and any tweaks you try.