Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties: 5 Ways to Love It

Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties: 5 Ways to Love It
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta; 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

Posted on November 18, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food—Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. Picture perfectly cooked bowtie pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce, all thanks to the buttery garlic goodness and a generous helping of melted mozzarella. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy inside, whether it’s a chilly evening or just one of those days when you need a little extra love. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends at a gathering. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Gathering your ingredients is the first step in creating this mouthwatering dish! Here’s what you’ll need:

8 oz bowtie pasta – the star of the show, perfect for holding all that creamy sauce!
1 lb chicken breast, diced – tender and juicy, this is what adds that hearty protein punch.
4 tbsp butter – because everything’s better with butter, right? It adds richness and flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced – the more garlic, the better! It brings an aromatic kick to the dish.
1 cup heavy cream – this is where the magic happens; it creates that luscious, creamy texture!
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that gooey, melty goodness that makes this dish so cheesy!
1/2 tsp salt – to enhance all those delicious flavors.
1/4 tsp black pepper – just a hint of spice to balance the richness.
1/4 cup chopped parsley – for a pop of color and a fresh finish!

Make sure you’ve got everything ready before you start cooking, and let’s make some cheesy magic happen!

How to Prepare Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Now that you’ve got your ingredients set, let’s dive into making this delicious dish step by step! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the flavors will blow you away!

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Boil a large pot of salted water, then add in your 8 ounces of bowtie pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions—usually around 10-12 minutes—until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to give it a little toss to prevent sticking!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Oh, the smell of melting butter is heavenly! Once it’s bubbly, toss in your diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You want it nice and juicy!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Cream

Next up, it’s garlic time! Add in those 4 minced cloves of garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—this step is crucial for packing in that flavor. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. You’ll see it start to thicken just a bit, which is exactly what we want!

Step 4: Melt the Mozzarella

Here comes the cheesy goodness! Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and keep stirring until it melts into that creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens, and you’ll want to make sure it’s all smooth and luscious! If it seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more cream.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Finally, it’s time to bring everything together! Add your cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that cheesy sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful pop of color before serving. And there you have it—a plate of pure comfort!

Tips for Success with Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Now, let’s make sure your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the garlic to your taste—if you love that garlicky punch, add an extra clove or two! If you’re short on chicken, shrimp or even mixed vegetables are fantastic substitutes that work beautifully in this dish.

Also, for a little extra flair, try adding Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick! And remember, if you find your sauce getting too thick, just add a splash of pasta water or more heavy cream to loosen it up. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate the dish and make it uniquely yours!

Variations of Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

One of the best things about Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties is how versatile it is! If you’re in the mood for something different, why not swap out the chicken for shrimp? Just sauté the shrimp until they’re pink and firm, and follow the same steps. You can also go the veggie route—roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even bell peppers would be delightful additions!

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra flavor boost. You could even toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its unique flair to this creamy, cheesy dish!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for my Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce. Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided some general estimates, I encourage you to adjust them based on your personal choices and preferences. If you’re counting calories or watching your macros, it’s always a good idea to calculate based on the exact products you’re using. Cooking should be fun and flexible, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—enjoy the deliciousness instead!

FAQ about Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Got questions about making these delicious Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:

Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is my favorite for this dish, you can use any pasta you have on hand—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work great!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute with half-and-half or even a mix of milk and butter. Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich and creamy, but still delicious!

How can I make this dish lighter?
If you want a lighter version, consider using grilled chicken instead of sautéing and swapping out heavy cream for a lighter option like Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare everything up to the point of combining the pasta with the sauce, and then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and toss!

What are some good side dishes to serve with this?
A fresh salad or some garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish. You can also serve it alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Hearty and Satisfying: With tender chicken and creamy mozzarella sauce, it’s a meal that truly fills you up.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and cheese creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
Versatile: Customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies for endless variations.
Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will be begging for seconds with this cheesy delight!