Crispy, golden chicken nestled amongst perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all draped in a luxurious, cheesy sauce – that’s the promise of this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce recipe. The combination of savory garlic butter, tender chicken, and the irresistible pull of melted mozzarella makes this dish a comfort food champion.
What elevates this pasta beyond the ordinary is the interplay of flavors. The garlic butter infuses every bite with a rich, savory depth, while the mozzarella cream sauce provides a tangy counterpoint. The chicken, seasoned simply with garlic and onion powder, becomes incredibly flavorful as it absorbs the sauce. This recipe is fantastic as a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Why you’ll love this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce with Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy mozzarella sauce is incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
- Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make this a fuss-free meal.
- Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy chicken pasta recipe.
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream – For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. The sauce will be less thick.
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded – Fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully, but pre-shredded works well for convenience.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
How to make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Cheesy chicken pasta recipe makes every moment feel uplifting. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Be sure to salt the pasta water for the best flavor!
Step 2: Cook the chicken
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Chef’s Tip: Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the flavor of the sauce.
Step 4: Create the mozzarella cream sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and serve
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
For another great pasta recipe, be sure to check out this red velvet cream cheese thumbprint cookies recipe!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Use a large skillet to ensure that all the pasta and chicken fit comfortably in the sauce.
- Grate your own mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
* A side of steamed broccoli or asparagus.
* A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* Garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. For more great recipes, check out this maple donut bars recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Can I freeze this dish?**
While you *can* freeze it, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
**Is this dish spicy?**
The recipe includes a small amount of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
**Can I use a different type of pasta?**
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time per package directions.
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a surefire way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures! Tender chicken and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta are coated in a rich, creamy mozzarella sauce infused with garlic butter and a generous helping of melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make dish is pure comfort food perfection that the whole family will devour. The garlicky, buttery notes combined with the tangy mozzarella create a truly irresistible experience. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add other vegetables like broccoli or spinach to this dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg