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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Mozzarella Sauce
Emily

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

A rich and hearty pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy garlic butter mozzarella sauce. Cajun seasoning adds a subtle kick, while Parmesan and fresh parsley bring the perfect finishing touch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian Fusion
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound bowtie pasta
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Equipment

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • spatula or tongs

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 3/4 cup mozzarella and all Parmesan. Mix until creamy.
  6. Return cooked pasta and chicken to skillet. Toss until coated in sauce.
  7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover skillet and let sit 2–3 minutes until melted.
  8. Stir in remaining 2 tbsp butter until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach. You can also swap Cajun seasoning for Italian herbs if you prefer a milder taste. Best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.