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, dry; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 4 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped parsley

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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties: 5 Ways to Love It

Introduction
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a cozy, comforting weeknight winner that balances rich creaminess with bright garlic and fresh parsley. Bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, each bite offering a silky cream coating, tender diced chicken, and gooey mozzarella that strings happily across your fork. The aroma of butter and garlic fills the kitchen while the sauce simmers, inviting everyone to the table. This dish works wonderfully for a family dinner, a casual date night, or to meal prep for busy weekdays. If you enjoy simple, satisfying chicken dishes, you might also like a fast skillet idea like 3-Ingredient Keto Chicken Fritters that keep things straightforward and tasty.

Ingredients

8 oz bowtie pasta, dry, for a firm but tender base that soaks up the sauce.
1 lb chicken breast, diced, for quick cooking and bite-sized pieces that stay juicy.
4 tbsp butter, for a rich, savory backbone that browns the chicken and flavors the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced, for fragrant, pungent flavor that perfumes the whole dish.
1 cup heavy cream, for a silky, luxurious sauce that clings to pasta and chicken.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for melty, mild cheesiness and stretchy texture.
1/2 tsp salt, to season and enhance the flavors throughout the dish.
1/4 tsp black pepper, for a gentle background heat and balance.
1/4 cup chopped parsley, for a fresh, herbaceous finish and color contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Tip: Reserve a tablespoon of pasta cooking water if you prefer a slightly looser sauce.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Let the butter foam but do not let it burn.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to brown evenly. For a quicker meal variation that centers on speed, see 3-Ingredient Keto Chicken Fritters.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown or it may become bitter.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Keep the heat moderate so the cream warms evenly without separating.
Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy, stirring constantly for a smooth sauce.
Add the cooked pasta, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine so every bowtie is coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little more cream.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh finish. Serve hot.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: approximately 800 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips: Pat the chicken dry before dicing to help it brown better. Use moderate heat when melting the cheese into the cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream if needed to revive the sauce.
Freezing: Cream-based pasta does not always freeze with perfect texture. If you must freeze, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
1. Extra cheesy: Stir in more mozzarella during step 6 for a richer melt.
2. Garlicky boost: Increase to 6 cloves of garlic for a more pronounced aroma and taste.
3. Butter-forward: Add an extra tablespoon of butter in step 2 for a silkier mouthfeel.
4. Fresher finish: Double the parsley to brighten the dish just before serving.
For another easy cheesy chicken wrap idea using similar flavors, try Cheesy Chicken Garlic Wraps for a portable meal option.

FAQ
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any short pasta works. Adjust only for cooking time differences.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes. Portion into containers and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.

Q: Can I use shredded leftover cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Add it in step 6 with the cheese just to warm through.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe delivers comfort food in under 30 minutes, with creamy mozzarella, fragrant garlic, and tender chicken in every bite. If you want another baked take on garlic butter chicken with melty cheese, check out Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella for a hands-off oven version. For a skillet-style dinner with similar garlic butter flavors and a different grain base, try Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken and Zucchini Orzo. I hope you try this at home and share how you made it yours. Enjoy a warm, cheesy bowl and pass it around with a smile.