Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties (Creamy & Easy Weeknight Pasta)

Introduction
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is comfort food at its simplest, combining tender cubed chicken and al dente bowtie pasta in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with gooey melted mozzarella. You will notice a buttery aroma as the garlic sizzles, followed by a luscious, velvety texture from the heavy cream and cheeses that cling to each farfalle ridge. The dish hits savory and creamy notes while remaining light enough for a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying without fuss. It comes together quickly and stretches well for leftovers, and if you enjoy handheld meals, you might also like a warm option like cheesy chicken garlic wraps for another simple dinner idea.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Tender protein cut into bite size pieces so it cooks quickly and mixes well with the pasta.
3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps create the silky sauce.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives bright aromatic flavor; mince finely for even distribution.
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): The small bow shapes hold the creamy sauce and cheeses well.
1 cup heavy cream: Builds the base of the sauce and gives a smooth, creamy finish.
1 ½ cups freshly grated mozzarella: Melts into stringy, creamy goodness for the dish.
½ cup Parmesan (optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish if you like extra depth.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and develop golden color.
Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish: Bright herb to finish and lift the richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 12 oz bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain. Tip: Salting the water well seasons the pasta from the inside out.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate. Tip: Avoid crowding the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams.
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter and add the 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Watch the garlic so it does not burn.
Add 1 cup heavy cream and stir, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it slightly thickens and absorbs those pan flavors.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter cream sauce, allowing the chicken to warm through and soak up the sauce.
Stir in 1 ½ cups freshly grated mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan (optional), and mix until melted and smooth. Use low heat to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot. Tip: For a different protein twist, you can explore a related dish like garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cook cubed chicken until no pink remains and the internal pieces reach 165 degrees F, or cut a larger piece to confirm it is white throughout.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, short pastas like penne or rotini can substitute, but cook time may vary slightly.
Is the Parmesan required?
No, Parmesan is optional. It adds savory depth but the dish is still creamy and flavorful with just mozzarella.
Can I make this dairy free?
This recipe relies on cream and cheeses, so a dairy free version would require different ingredients not listed here.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water, stirring until warmed through.
Can I prepare parts ahead of time?
You can cook and cool the chicken and cook the pasta separately, then combine and finish the sauce when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a creamy and comforting weeknight winner that comes together fast and pleases a crowd. If you want to try a different creamy pasta with hearty flavors, take a look at a rich option like Creamy Mushroom and Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta for an elegant twist. For a lighter herb and pesto flavor profile to try another night, check out this Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cozy dish, and please come back to share how yours turned out.