Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

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This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is one of those dishes I keep going back to, especially when I want something comforting but not overly fussy. The combination of tender bowtie pasta and juicy, golden-seared chicken soaked in a rich, creamy, garlicky cheese sauce is exactly what dinner dreams are made of. Every time I make this, I find myself spooning up every last bit of sauce from the pan—yes, it’s that good.

I love how the mozzarella adds that smooth, stretchy texture without overwhelming the rest of the flavors. And the garlic butter? It builds a savory base that really brings everything together. This recipe is my go-to when friends come over or when I want to treat myself to something delicious on a weeknight. It feels indulgent without being complicated, and I always get asked for the recipe.

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Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

This dish is everything you want in a cozy dinner: creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying. The bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, and the seared chicken pieces soak up every ounce of flavor. It’s quick enough for weeknights, but tastes like something from a cozy Italian bistro.

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What Kind of Mozzarella Should I Use?

For this recipe, low-moisture shredded mozzarella works best—it melts beautifully into the creamy sauce and keeps everything velvety without becoming too stringy or watery. Fresh mozzarella can be used too, but you’ll want to tear it into smaller pieces and add it just before serving to avoid excess moisture.

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Options for Substitutions

• Pasta: Bowties are perfect here, but penne or rotini are great alternatives if that’s what you have on hand.
• Chicken: You can swap chicken breast for boneless thighs for a juicier bite.
• Cheese: Add a bit of parmesan or sharp white cheddar for extra depth.
• Cream: No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese.
• Garlic Butter: If you’re dairy-free, use vegan butter and plenty of garlic—it’ll still be rich and flavorful.

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Ingredients for This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

• Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Its shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, offering texture in every bite.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean, protein-rich, and absorbs all the garlic butter and herb flavors.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce, giving a gooey, cheesy richness.
• Heavy Cream: The foundation of the sauce—thick, luscious, and helps bind all the flavors together.
• Garlic (Fresh Minced): The hero of the dish, infusing every layer with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Combines with garlic to create the savory base that coats both pasta and chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken evenly while adding depth to the flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the dish with classic Mediterranean notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, herby finish and color contrast.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors together.

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Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to brown the garlic.

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Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the shredded mozzarella a little at a time until melted and smooth.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked bowtie pasta and the seared chicken into the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

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Step 6: Final Touches and Garnish

Stir in chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, with extra mozzarella or parsley sprinkled on top if desired.

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How Long to Prepare the Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Prep Time: Most of your prep involves chopping the chicken, mincing garlic, and gathering your ingredients. This should take about 10–15 minutes.

Cook Time: Cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce alongside searing the chicken takes around 20 minutes. Everything comes together quickly once you’re organized, making it a perfect weeknight meal option.

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Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

• Use room temperature chicken for more even searing and juicier bites.
• Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is ideal since it will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
• Add mozzarella gradually to avoid clumps and ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Reserve some pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to the pasta.
• Finish with fresh parsley for color and a burst of herby freshness that balances the richness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan with chicken can cause it to steam rather than sear—cook in batches if needed.
• Burning the garlic ruins the base flavor—keep the heat moderate and stir constantly.
• Using low-fat cream or milk might cause the sauce to break or thin out too much.
• Adding cheese too fast or on high heat can make it clump—always stir slowly over gentle heat.
• Skipping the seasoning check at the end can result in a bland finish. Always taste before serving!

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What to Serve With Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.

2. Steamed Broccoli

A fresh, green contrast to the richness of the dish. Lightly salt and steam for a quick side.

3. Caesar Salad

The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons are a great balance to the creamy pasta.

4. Roasted Asparagus

Toss in olive oil, roast until slightly charred, and serve alongside for a healthy touch.

5. White Wine

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the garlicky, cheesy profile.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it.

Freezer: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce, which can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so before adding the cheese, then add fresh cheese when reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often and adding liquid as needed to bring back the creamy consistency.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

• Calories: 620 per serving
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Cholesterol: 125mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?

No worries—penne, rigatoni, or rotini work just as well. Any shape that holds sauce will be great.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything except the final toss with mozzarella. Store and reheat, then add cheese just before serving.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the cream sauce to increase the heat.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Just skip the searing step and add it when combining the sauce and pasta to warm it through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily swap the pasta for a gluten-free version and ensure the cream and cheese are certified gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into something memorable. It’s rich, satisfying, and loaded with bold flavors that never fail to impress. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite—and might just become a new favorite in your kitchen lineup.

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