Indulgent Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Name: Indulgent Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 pieces chicken breasts, cubed; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

This indulgent Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is a cozy, rich pasta dinner that feels like a hug on a plate. Tender cubes of chicken are seared in butter and garlic, then swaddled in a silky heavy cream sauce studded with Parmesan and gooey mozzarella. The bowtie pasta is perfect for catching pockets of sauce, so every bite mixes creamy, cheesy, and savory textures. Aromas of garlic and Italian seasoning fill the kitchen as it cooks, and the finished dish offers a balanced hit of richness, mild tang from Parmesan, and stretchy mozzarella pull. Serve this on a weeknight for an effortless family meal, or bring it to a casual dinner with friends when you want comfort food that looks and tastes special. For another creamy chicken pasta idea, try this lemon garlic butter chicken version for a brighter twist: lemon garlic butter chicken creamy parmesan pasta.

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta, perfect for catching creamy sauce in every bite.
2 tablespoons butter, adds richness and flavor to the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic, minced; infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, enhances the dish with a blend of herbal goodness.
1/2 teaspoon salt, balances flavors and elevates the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, adds a subtle kick to brighten the flavors.
4 pieces chicken breasts, cubed; tender pieces provide a hearty protein boost.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, creates a luxurious base for the cheesy goodness.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the sauce.
1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded; melts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; offers a pop of color and freshness.

For another garlic-forward handheld option, these wraps are a tasty side idea: cheesy chicken garlic wraps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the 12 oz bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Tip: Reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Prepare the chicken. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the 4 pieces cubed chicken breasts and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Season the chicken. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over the chicken. Stir to coat evenly. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Make the cream base. Pour 1 1/2 cups heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the cream warm and bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
Add the Parmesan. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the cream and forms a smooth sauce.
Melt in the mozzarella. Add 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese in batches, stirring after each addition until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is silky. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece with the cheesy cream sauce. Heat together for 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta soaks up some sauce.
Finish and serve. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

For an alternate take on creamy protein-and-pasta, you may enjoy this similar comforting recipe: cheesy garlic chicken wraps.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 25 minutes.
Total Time: 40 minutes.
Servings: 4.
Calories: Approximately 1,350 per serving.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Use reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce without making it watery.
Shred mozzarella from a block if possible for the best melt and texture.
Cook chicken pieces to an internal temperature of 165 F if you have a thermometer.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stove.

Variations using existing ingredients only

Extra cheesy: Increase the mozzarella to 2 cups for a stretchier finish.
More tang: Stir in an extra 1/4 cup Parmesan when serving to brighten the sauce.
Lighter creaminess: Use slightly less mozzarella and a touch more Parmesan for a firmer, nuttier sauce.

For another creamy pasta inspiration with similar flavors, see this hearty tortellini dish: cracked garlic steak tortellini creamhouse sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Any short pasta will work, but bowties are ideal for catching the sauce.

Q: How can I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: Keep the heat moderate and stir frequently when adding cheeses to avoid overheating.

Q: Is this dish freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce and chicken, refrigerate, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
A: Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

Q: What if my sauce is too thick?
A: Stir in reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is a comforting, show-stopping dish that is simple to make and satisfying to eat. If you want a similar flavor pairing with a slightly different method, take a look at this Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta for another great idea: Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta – Healthy By Fork. For a slow cooker twist on mozzarella and chicken pasta, this slow cooker pesto mozzarella chicken pasta is a helpful reference: Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this rich, garlicky comfort meal with loved ones. Please leave a comment or share a photo when you try it, and happy cooking.