Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties With Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 2 tbsp butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Comfort food reaches a whole new level with these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties. This dish wraps everything you love into one satisfying meal: juicy seasoned chicken, buttery garlic flavor, al dente bowtie pasta, and a silky mozzarella cream sauce that coats every bite. It’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet comforting—perfect for a cozy night in.

This pasta dish isn’t just creamy and cheesy, it’s infused with layers of flavor from garlic butter, Italian herbs, and just the right hint of spice. It’s the kind of recipe you crave when you need something hearty that still delivers elegance on a plate. You might even find yourself sneaking back for seconds straight from the stovetop.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

This dish is an all-in-one comfort meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes. The chicken is golden and flavorful, the pasta perfectly tender, and the mozzarella sauce clings to every bowtie like a hug. It’s a weeknight lifesaver but also special enough to serve guests. Leftovers? Even better the next day.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for This Recipe?

Bowtie pasta (also called farfalle) is the star here. Its ridges and folds are perfect for catching all the creamy mozzarella sauce, giving you flavor in every forkful. If you don’t have bowties on hand, penne or rotini make excellent substitutes that hold the sauce well.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties With Mozzarella Cream Sauce

You don’t need anything fancy to create restaurant-level flavor. Just a few key ingredients that bring out the best in each other.

Bowtie Pasta: Essential for structure and perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
Chicken Breast: Tender, protein-packed, and takes on all the buttery garlic flavor.
Butter: This is the flavor base, especially when infused with fresh garlic.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and the key savory note that defines this dish.
Heavy Cream: Provides the luscious, rich body for the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: The hero ingredient that melts into a dreamy, stretchy cream sauce.
Italian Seasoning: Adds herby complexity that complements the chicken beautifully.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds a subtle kick.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balance and bringing out all the flavors.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties With Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while it cooks. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan, melt a bit more butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant but not browned. This creates the flavor foundation for your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Gradually add shredded mozzarella, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Add a touch of reserved pasta water if it gets too thick.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Finish with extra mozzarella on top if you like it ultra-cheesy.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

This dish is best served hot, straight from the pan, with maybe a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese. It serves about 4 hungry people or 6 if paired with a salad or side. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties?

Garlic Bread

You can never have too much garlic. A crusty loaf with buttery spread makes the ultimate side.

Roasted Asparagus

The freshness of roasted asparagus cuts through the creaminess and adds a green crunch.

Classic Caprese Salad

A light and fresh counterbalance with tomato, mozzarella, and basil that pairs beautifully.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Soft and chewy naan is great for mopping up every drop of sauce.

Lemon Roasted Broccoli

The citrusy brightness lifts the richness of the dish perfectly.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Double down on pasta and offer this light and tangy counterpart.

Caesar Salad

Cool, crisp, and herby—a salad with bite that holds its own.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

Simple oven-roasted veggies that complement without overpowering.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties, check out more creamy, flavorful chicken pasta recipes on the site:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it next time you need a quick comfort meal.

And if you make this, drop a comment! Did you spice it up with extra red pepper? Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes? I love hearing your creative takes.

Explore more creamy and cozy recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and treat yourself to even more mealtime inspiration.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties With Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a dinner dream come true. Whether you’re feeding a family or just indulging your own cravings, it’s a meal that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of joy in every bite.