Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream Recipe

Introduction

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe combines tender chicken and bowtie pasta in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until everything is well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering the cream.
• Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
• Use fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded for a different texture.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a nutritious twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid curdling the sauce. You may add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or rigatoni, will work nicely in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 119 reviews

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with al dente bowtie pasta, and smothered in a creamy Parmesan and mozzarella sauce. This recipe combines Italian seasoning with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, making for a flavorful and indulgent meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce & Cooking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Sauté Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
4. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet with garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss them gently in the sauce to coat evenly and heat through.
7. Add Pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly so that every bowtie is coated in the cheesy cream sauce.
8. Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes on low heat until the mozzarella melts perfectly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the creamy mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce richness will be slightly reduced.
• Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Ensure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté only until fragrant.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Keywords: Mozzarella garlic butter chicken, bowtie pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken pasta dish, cheesy cream sauce chicken