Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce
A Creamy, Comfort-Food Pasta Recipe You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Few dishes say comfort food quite like a bowl of creamy pasta coated in garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese. Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. It’s rich without being overwhelming, packed with flavor, and perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or when you want to impress without stress.
The bowtie pasta (farfalle) is ideal here: its shape traps the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite delivers creamy, garlicky goodness. The chicken is seared in butter and garlic until juicy and golden, then finished in a luxurious mozzarella cream sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy mozzarella sauce
- Juicy garlic-butter chicken
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Perfect balance of cheese, garlic, and cream
This dish is indulgent but comforting, making it a guaranteed favorite.
Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
For the pasta
- 400 g (14 oz) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Salt, for pasta water
For the chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the garlic butter mozzarella cream sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the bowtie pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. You want the pasta slightly firm, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Season and cook the chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Make sure every piece is evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Leave the flavorful butter and juices in the pan.
3. Build the garlic butter base
Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic.
Sauté the garlic for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it brown, as burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
This garlic butter base is the flavor foundation of the entire dish.
4. Create the mozzarella cream sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the browned bits from the chicken. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Add the heavy cream and stir gently. Sprinkle in garlic powder and nutmeg if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes silky and rich.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine chicken and pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it completely in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss gently until every piece is coated in the creamy mozzarella sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Final touch and serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve immediately while hot and gloriously creamy.
Texture and Flavor Notes
- The chicken is tender and buttery with a deep garlic flavor
- The mozzarella sauce is creamy, stretchy, and smooth
- Bowtie pasta holds the sauce perfectly in every fold
- Garlic butter ties everything together without overpowering
This dish strikes the perfect balance between rich and comforting.
Variations and Add-Ins
Add vegetables
- Spinach (stir in at the end)
- Mushrooms (sauté with garlic)
- Broccoli or peas for color and freshness
Make it spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Extra cheesy version
Mix in a little provolone or fontina along with the mozzarella.
Lighter option
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream
- Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating
Perfect Pairings
Serve this dish with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- A sparkling water or light white wine
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is the ultimate creamy pasta dish for cheese lovers. It’s indulgent, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of garlic butter, tender chicken, and melty mozzarella makes this recipe unforgettable.