If you love creamy, indulgent pasta dishes, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is pure comfort food heaven. Tender chicken bites are seared to perfection, then tossed with bowtie pasta in a luscious mozzarella cream sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and impossibly cheesy. Every forkful delivers layers of flavor—from the warm garlic butter aroma to the gooey pockets of melted cheese coating the perfectly cooked pasta.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or even a dinner party when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a gourmet-tasting pasta that’s packed with flavor, yet easy enough for any home cook to master.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Simple: Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal prep.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, creamy sauce.
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Versatile: Works with various pasta shapes and proteins.
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Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Garlic butter and mozzarella create rich, indulgent flavor.
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One-Pot Option: Easy cleanup when sauce and pasta are combined in the skillet.
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Customizable Spice: Adjust Cajun seasoning or paprika to your preferred heat level.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Bowtie Pasta (1 lb): Holds sauce well with its wide surface and folds, ensuring every bite is coated in creamy goodness.
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Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs): Provides tender protein; cutting into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking.
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Butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the garlic sauce.
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Garlic (4 cloves): Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory flavor.
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Cajun Seasoning & Paprika: Bring warmth, subtle spice, and a beautiful color to the chicken.
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Heavy Cream (1 cup) & Chicken Broth (1 cup): Form the base of the velvety sauce, balancing richness and flavor.
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Cream Cheese (4 oz): Creates extra creamy texture while thickening the sauce.
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Mozzarella (1 cup) & Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Melt together for gooey, cheesy, and savory layers.
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Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Prevents sticking and enhances searing of the chicken.
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Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup): Adds freshness, color, and a subtle herbal note.
Pro Tips
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Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Cut evenly and cook just until internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy bites.
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Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Makes it easier to incorporate into the sauce without lumps.
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Simmer, Don’t Boil: Maintain a gentle simmer when adding cheese to prevent separation.
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Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt or spices for balanced flavor.
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Use Fresh Garlic: For best flavor, freshly minced garlic creates a stronger aroma than pre-minced jarred garlic.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
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Pasta Alternatives: Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni all work beautifully with this sauce.
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Protein Swaps: Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different protein twist.
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Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for fontina or gouda for a richer flavor.
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Spice Level Adjustments: Increase Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
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Vegetable Additions: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
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Serve with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for a complete pasta night experience.
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Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.
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Complement with roasted vegetables or a light soup starter.
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Perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or a date-night pasta feast.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prep Ahead: Cut and season chicken in advance. Sauce can also be made and refrigerated; just reheat gently before tossing with pasta.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce creaminess.
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Freezing: Freeze unserved pasta in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Cheesy garlic pasta dishes are rooted in Italian-American comfort food traditions. Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is popular for creamy sauces because its folds trap cheese and sauce for maximum flavor. This recipe combines classic garlic butter techniques with creamy mozzarella and Parmesan, delivering the indulgent texture and taste reminiscent of traditional Italian trattorias, but adapted for quick, weeknight cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bowtie or penne pasta. Ensure your chicken broth and seasonings are also gluten-free.
Q2: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Reduce initial cooking time for pre-cooked chicken and just warm it in the skillet with the sauce to prevent overcooking.
Q3: How can I make this lighter?
Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, and reduce the butter slightly. Use part-skim mozzarella to lower fat content.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pan to combine pasta and sauce evenly.
Q5: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep heat low when adding cheeses and stir continuously. Avoid boiling after adding cream and cream cheese.
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, seasoning with Cajun, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in 3/4 cup mozzarella and all Parmesan. Mix until creamy.
- Return cooked pasta and chicken to skillet. Toss until coated in sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover skillet and let sit 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Stir in remaining 2 tbsp butter until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.