There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, buttery garlic, gooey mozzarella, and creamy pasta. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out — the kind you want to curl up with after a long day. And guess what? You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make it happen.

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is more than just a mouthful to say — it’s a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together everything we love about cozy, home-cooked meals. Think perfectly seasoned chicken, rich and velvety sauce, and pasta that hugs every bit of cream and cheese. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• It’s easy to make – No fancy techniques here, just good ingredients and a little stirring.

• It’s quick – You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

• It’s rich and satisfying – That mozzarella-cheese pull? You’ll want to dive right in.

• It’s flexible – Toss in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to your liking.

• It’s a one-pan wonder (mostly) – Less mess, more flavor.

You don’t have to be a chef to nail this one. If you can sauté, stir, and boil pasta, you’re already halfway there.

Suitable For

This recipe fits into just about any situation you can think of:

• Busy weeknights when you want something hearty and fast

• Family dinners that feel special but don’t take all day

• Picky eaters (who can say no to creamy pasta and melted cheese?)

• Beginner cooks looking to build confidence in the kitchen

• Comfort food lovers craving something warm and cheesy

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making leftovers for lunch, this recipe delivers.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Before you jump into cooking, let’s talk about what you’ll need. The ingredient list is straightforward, and you likely have many of these in your pantry or fridge already.

Core Ingredients

• Olive oil & butter – A mix of both gives you the best of both worlds: flavor and richness.

• Garlic – Freshly minced for that punchy aroma. Don’t skimp here — it’s the base of your sauce.

• Chicken breast – Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Salt, black pepper & paprika – Simple seasonings that bring out the chicken’s natural flavor.

• Bowtie pasta (farfalle) – These hold the sauce beautifully, but feel free to swap if needed.

• Heavy cream & chicken broth – The creamy base with just enough savory depth.

• Shredded mozzarella – For that gooey, cheesy stretch in every bite.

• Grated Parmesan – Adds salty sharpness to balance the creaminess.

• Italian seasoning – A dried herb blend that rounds out the flavor.

• Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Optional, but adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Every ingredient plays a role here, building layers of flavor that taste like they took hours — but didn’t.

Substitutions and Tips

No worries if you’re missing a few things. This recipe is flexible:

• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier bite.

• Vegetarian version? Swap the chicken for mushrooms or sautéed zucchini.

• No bowtie pasta? Penne, rotini, or shells will work beautifully.

• Mozzarella swaps – Try Fontina or Gruyère for a twist.

• Need it dairy-free? Use a plant-based cream and cheese alternative, and olive oil instead of butter.

• No fresh garlic? Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is always better.

Cooking should be fun — not stressful. Use what you have and make it your own.

Best Cheese for a Cheesy Cream Sauce

Mozzarella is the star here for a reason. It melts smoothly, stretches beautifully, and has a mild flavor that lets the garlic and butter shine. But don’t be afraid to play around with combinations.

Want a more complex flavor? Add:

• A handful of sharp white cheddar for a tangy finish

• A touch of Fontina for extra creaminess

• Some Gruyère for nutty, melty goodness

Pro tip: Always grate your cheese fresh. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can mess with the texture of your sauce.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a full kitchen arsenal to whip this up. Just a few basic tools will do the trick.

Must-Have Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan – This is where your chicken and sauce magic happens.

• Pot for boiling pasta – Make sure it’s big enough so the pasta doesn’t stick together.

• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring without scratching your pan.

• Measuring cups & spoons – Precision helps with consistency.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Garlic press – For fast, uniform garlic prep.

• Microplane or box grater – Great for grating fresh Parmesan or mozzarella.

• Colander – For draining the pasta easily.

• Tongs – Handy for tossing pasta and chicken in the sauce.

Keep it simple. Focus on flavor, not equipment.

How to Make Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking. If you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, you’re well on your way to a dish that tastes like comfort in every bite. This recipe is straightforward and forgiving, so don’t worry if things aren’t perfect — it will still turn out delicious. Let’s take it step by step.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You want the water to be salty like the sea — that’s what gives your pasta flavor from the inside out.

Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a little bite to it. Check the package instructions and subtract about 1 minute from the recommended cooking time. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later, so we don’t want it overdone.

Before you drain the pasta, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. It’s liquid gold when it comes to adjusting the cream sauce later.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. You’re already off to a great start.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Now let’s give that chicken some love.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The combination gives you a rich, flavorful base that also helps the chicken brown beautifully.

Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. The paprika is optional, but it adds a subtle warmth and color that’s hard to resist.

Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and sear it for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and cooked through. If you’re unsure, cut into a piece — it should be white all the way through, no pink.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t clean the skillet — those little browned bits stuck to the bottom are packed with flavor, and we’ll use them in the next step.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Cream Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens.

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven.

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this adds incredible depth to the sauce.

Now, slowly stir in:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is silky smooth. If it feels too thick, go ahead and stir in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Time to bring it all together.

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Use a spoon or tongs to toss everything gently until it’s fully coated in that luscious cheesy cream.

Give it a quick taste — need a little more salt or pepper? Go ahead and adjust.

The result should be creamy, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

You’re almost there.

Spoon the pasta into bowls or onto plates, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan, if you’d like. Serve warm, preferably with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

And there you have it — Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream that looks and tastes like a restaurant meal, without the fuss.

Tips for Success

Every recipe has its little tricks, and this one is no different. Here are a few tips to help you make it flawlessly:

• Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese can be waxy and doesn’t melt as well. Shred your own for the creamiest sauce.

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente is key. It’ll continue to cook a little once mixed with the hot sauce.

• Stir the sauce continuously – This helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps the sauce from clumping or separating.

• Keep the heat low after adding the cheese – High heat can make dairy-based sauces break or become grainy.

• Taste and adjust – A pinch of salt, a splash of pasta water, or a twist of pepper can make all the difference.

How to Store Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Whether you’re making this for a dinner party or just meal prepping for the week, storing it properly makes sure those creamy flavors stay just as delicious the next day.

At Room Temperature

Like most creamy dishes, this one shouldn’t sit out too long. Keep it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do it slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

Freezing Tips

While pasta and cream sauce don’t always freeze perfectly, you can make it work:

• Freeze without the pasta, if possible — just the sauce and chicken. Then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

• If you do freeze the whole dish, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep the chicken and sauce earlier in the day, store them separately, and reheat just before serving. Cook the pasta fresh and combine everything when ready to eat for best results.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, definitely. Bowties are fun and hold the sauce well, but penne, rotini, or even fettuccine work too. Just make sure to cook them al dente.

Can I make this without cream?

You can. Use whole milk or a mix of milk and a bit of flour to thicken the sauce, or try a dairy-free substitute like coconut cream. It won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be tasty.

What vegetables can I add?

Great question. Spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers are all excellent additions. Sauté them before adding to the sauce for the best texture and flavor.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe, you might also enjoy these hearty, comforting pasta dishes:

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne – A cozy twist with fresh broccoli and creamy garlic sauce

• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – A simple, garlicky pasta dish that’s big on flavor

• Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta – Rich and satisfying with a savory sausage kick

• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Perfectly crisped chicken paired with a luscious sauce

• Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Beef – Beefy, garlicky, and oh-so cheesy

Conclusion

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something special. It’s cozy, indulgent, and full of flavor — and the best part is, you don’t have to be an expert to make it.

So go ahead, give it a try. Don’t be afraid to tweak it, add your favorite veggies, or experiment with different cheeses. That’s the joy of home cooking — making it your own.

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