Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

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I can’t tell you how many times this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce has saved my dinner plans. It’s rich, savory, and ultra-satisfying — one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The creamy mozzarella sauce hugs each bowtie pasta perfectly, while the garlic butter-seared chicken adds irresistible flavor and a golden, crispy finish.

What I love most is how easily it comes together with pantry staples, yet feels like a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or serving guests who you want to impress, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of comfort and elegance.

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

• It’s a comfort food classic with elevated flavors.
• The creamy mozzarella sauce is rich but not too heavy.
• Perfect for weeknights and special dinners alike.
• The garlic butter chicken is juicy and flavorful with a crispy crust.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing every time.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

I stick with bowtie (farfalle) pasta because the shape catches the sauce beautifully in every fold, but feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente — it’ll finish softening when you mix it with the sauce.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of mozzarella, you can easily sub in provolone or Monterey Jack — they melt similarly and offer a creamy texture. For a lighter take, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Want to skip the chicken? Sautéed mushrooms or roasted broccoli make excellent vegetarian swaps. Gluten-free pasta also works well in this recipe with no major adjustments needed.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Bowtie pasta (farfalle): The perfect pasta shape for holding onto creamy sauces and providing a fun texture in every bite.

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for searing in garlic butter and adding hearty protein to the dish.

Garlic (freshly minced): Essential for infusing the butter and chicken with bold, aromatic flavor.

Butter: Used to sear the chicken and create a rich garlic butter base that flavors the entire dish.

Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a smooth richness to the sear.

Heavy cream: Forms the base of the mozzarella cream sauce, giving it that silky, luscious texture.

Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully into the cream sauce, creating a gooey, cheesy blanket for the pasta.

Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a touch of sharpness and depth to balance the mozzarella’s creaminess.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Salt and pepper: Basic but crucial seasoning elements to bring out all the flavors.

Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a touch of color and brightness to the final dish.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add more butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

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Step 4: Create the Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, mixing continuously until smooth and melted. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked bowtie pasta and seared chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated, letting it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an optional extra dash of Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky bliss in every bite.

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

This dish is surprisingly quick, especially for how luxurious it tastes. You’ll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes from start to finish.

Prep Time: The prep takes about 10–15 minutes. This includes dicing the chicken, mincing the garlic, grating the cheese, and boiling water for the pasta. It’s helpful to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start.

Cooking Time: You’ll need around 20–25 minutes for cooking. Searing the chicken and making the sauce go quickly, and since bowtie pasta cooks fast, everything comes together with minimal waiting.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

• Don’t overcook the pasta — keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and consistency.
• Let the chicken rest a minute or two after searing to keep it juicy.
• Add pasta water gradually to control the sauce thickness.
• Season every layer: pasta water, chicken, and sauce.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Burning the garlic: It only needs 30–60 seconds. If it goes brown, start over — bitter garlic can ruin the dish.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Overcooking the chicken: Dice it evenly and cook just until no longer pink in the center.
• Skipping the pasta water: It’s a great natural thickener and helps the sauce cling.
• Crowding the pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed for that golden crust.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties?

1. Garlic Bread

The classic choice — perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Crispy roasted broccoli complements the cheesy flavor and adds a healthy touch.

4. Grilled Asparagus

Earthy and crisp, asparagus balances the creamy chicken pasta beautifully.

5. Sparkling Water with Lemon

A refreshing drink helps cut through the richness and enhances the overall experience.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing: While you can freeze the dish, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If freezing, undercook the pasta slightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~620 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cook thoroughly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. If prepping ahead, store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping in the sauce?

Use freshly shredded mozzarella and stir constantly over gentle heat until fully melted.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all! But if you want a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even crispy tofu.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is one of those magical dishes that delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients. It’s cozy, creamy, and endlessly satisfying — perfect for weeknights, special dinners, or when you just need something comforting on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this pasta dish is bound to be a hit.

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