Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavor. Tender chicken, bowtie pasta, garlic, butter, and melted mozzarella come together in a rich sauce that makes this an easy and satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz (340 g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry.
Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the remaining butter to the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
If using red pepper flakes, add them now.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Stir well, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes.
6. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained bowtie pasta.
Toss gently until the pasta and chicken are completely coated in the creamy mozzarella sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm everything through.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Recipe Tips
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly into the sauce.
- Don’t boil the cream sauce aggressively after adding the cheese.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
- For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Prep & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 5–6
Meta Description
Make creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with tender chicken, bowtie pasta, garlic, butter, Parmesan, and a rich mozzarella cream sauce for an easy family dinner.