Warm, creamy, and utterly comforting, Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties brings together tender bite-sized chicken, silky cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The aroma of butter and garlic fills the kitchen as the sauce simmers, turning heavy cream and softened cream cheese into a luxuriously smooth base. Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan melt into a stringy, rich coating that clings to each pasta piece and chicken bite, giving a delightful contrast of gooey cheese and savory meat. This dish is ideal for family dinners, meal prep for busy weeks, or when you want a cozy, restaurant-quality pasta at home without fuss. If you enjoy hearty, cheesy pasta dinners you might also like a similar twist on baked Caesar chicken with a creamy parmesan pasta, and for a buttery corn side consider this cheesy garlic butter corn on the cob.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — lean chicken breast cut small so it cooks quickly and evenly.
• 4 tbsp butter, divided — provides a rich base for cooking and flavor for the sauce.
• 1 lb bowtie pasta — farfalle holds sauce well thanks to its shape and texture.
• 4 cups heavy cream — creates the silky, indulgent sauce that coats pasta and chicken.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened — adds body and a smooth, tangy balance to the cream.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping — gives stretchy, melty cheese pull and mild milky flavor.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese — adds savory, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Tip: save a cup of the pasta cooking water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove and set aside. Small tip: cut chicken into uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Keep the garlic moving so it does not brown.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir gently to fully incorporate cream cheese into the hot cream.
5. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until melted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Serve hot with extra mozzarella on top.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: approximately 1,200 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips:
  • Cut the chicken into similar sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Keep the heat at medium when melting the cheese so it becomes smooth without separating.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese so it blends more easily into the hot cream.
• Storage:
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring and adding a splash of water or cream if needed.
  • Do not store with fresh mozzarella on top. Add extra shredded mozzarella only when reheating if you want that melty finish.
• Freezing:
  • This dish can be frozen, but cream-based sauces can change texture after thawing. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly, stirring to recombine the sauce.
• Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
  • Extra-cheesy: stir an additional 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella into the sauce before tossing with pasta.
  • Parmesan-forward: increase the grated Parmesan to 3/4 cup for a tangier, nuttier sauce.
  • Creamier: add an extra 1/2 cup heavy cream for a looser, silkier sauce.

In case you want another family-friendly main or a buttery side, check a different take on baked Caesar chicken with a creamy parmesan pasta and a simple side of cheesy garlic butter corn on the cob for pairing ideas.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any short pasta that holds sauce will work, such as penne or rotini.

Q: Is it okay to use low fat cream?
A: Low fat cream may not provide the same richness or texture; the recipe uses heavy cream for best results.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
A: Melt cheese slowly over low to medium heat and stir constantly until fully incorporated.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can cook components ahead, but finish assembly and reheating just before serving for best texture.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
A: Reheat gently on low heat and add a splash of water or cream if the sauce tightens.

People Also Ask

Q: What is the best way to melt cream cheese into a sauce?
A: Soften cream cheese to room temperature and stir it into warm cream over low heat until smooth.

Q: How long does cooked bowtie pasta stay good in the fridge?
A: Cooked pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes, double all ingredient amounts and use a sufficiently large pot and skillet to cook evenly.

Q: Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
A: Yes, cream-based sauces firm up when cooled; reheat gently and add a splash of water or cream to loosen.

Q: Should I cover the skillet while simmering the sauce?
A: Simmer uncovered to monitor thickness and prevent boiling over.

Q: Does the type of mozzarella matter?
A: Low moisture shredded mozzarella works best for melting and texture in the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a reliable, comforting dinner that delivers rich, cheesy flavor and a velvety sauce with minimal fuss. If you enjoy exploring similar garlic butter and mozzarella combinations, see this baked garlic butter chicken with mozzarella for another oven-baked option by Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella, or try a bowtie pasta take on garlic butter chicken for a slightly different presentation at Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta. I hope you make this dish soon and share how it turned out with friends or family for a cozy meal together.