When I was younger, pasta nights were the one meal I always looked forward to. My mom had a way of making simple ingredients feel like a celebration, and I’ve carried that tradition into my own kitchen. This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream recipe is the kind of dish that makes a family table feel full, cozy, and special without being complicated. The bowtie pasta holds onto the sauce so well, each little fold catching all that garlicky creaminess, while the chicken is seasoned and seared until golden before being nestled into a blanket of melted cheese.
I love recipes like this because they balance comfort and flavor without asking you to spend hours in the kitchen. On busy evenings, when everyone’s hungry and I need something satisfying, this dish never fails. It’s creamy, cheesy, and a little indulgent, but still approachable and made from ingredients you probably already have at home. And let’s be honest, anything with mozzarella bubbling on top is bound to bring everyone to the table quickly.
Essential Elements and Equipment
To bring this dish together smoothly, here are the key ingredients and tools you’ll want ready:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Butter and olive oil: For richness and the perfect golden sear on the chicken.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced, to create that unmistakable aroma and flavor base.
- Bowtie pasta: Also called farfalle, perfect for catching creamy sauce in its folds.
- Cheese trio: Mozzarella for melty stretch, Parmesan for sharpness, and cream cheese for velvety texture.
- Heavy cream: The base that makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
- Seasonings: Cajun spice, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a touch of salt.
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the chicken and building the sauce in one pan.
- Baking dish: For finishing with extra mozzarella in the oven until bubbly.
Having everything prepped ahead saves time, and with this recipe, it means the chicken, pasta, and sauce can all come together seamlessly.
What Makes This Recipe Work
This isn’t just another chicken pasta; it has a few standout touches that make it irresistible:
- Golden chicken with flavor: The Cajun seasoning and paprika give the chicken bold flavor and a beautiful seared crust.
- Garlic butter base: Garlic sautéed in butter lays the foundation for a deeply savory sauce.
- Creamy trio of cheeses: The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates a sauce that’s thick, stretchy, and ultra smooth.
- Heavy cream for silkiness: The sauce clings to every bowtie, coating it in richness.
- Balance of textures: Crispy chicken pieces on top of tender pasta give every bite contrast.
- Optional kick: Red pepper flakes can be sprinkled in if you like a little heat.
- Oven finish: Melting mozzarella over the top in the oven creates that irresistible golden layer.
Every detail in this recipe works together, making it a dish that’s not just filling but full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for spice
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the softened cream cheese, whisking until it’s fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is thick, creamy, and glossy. Taste and season with salt, and add red pepper flakes if you’d like extra spice.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until each bowtie is coated in the creamy sauce. Fold in the chicken pieces so they’re nestled throughout.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle more mozzarella on top, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 8: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Variations You Can Try
This recipe is flexible, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Protein swaps: Instead of chicken, try shrimp for a seafood twist or even Italian sausage for a heartier, bolder flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Leave out the meat entirely and add roasted broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-loaded option.
- Cheese variations: Swap mozzarella with provolone for more tang, or add gouda for a smoky depth.
- Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free bowties or even zucchini noodles if you’re keeping it lighter.
- Dairy-free adjustments: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives.
- Spice level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it milder for kids or bump it up with extra red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- One-pan shortcut: Cook the pasta directly in the cream and broth mixture instead of separately for a creamier texture and fewer dishes.
How to Serve
Pairing and presentation make this dish even more enjoyable:
- Classic sides: Garlic bread, breadsticks, or a basket of warm rolls to soak up the sauce.
- Vegetables: A crisp Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans balance the richness.
- Family style: Serve straight from the skillet or casserole dish at the table for a cozy, shared meal.
- Individual plates: Spoon a hearty serving of pasta onto plates, then top with the golden chicken for a restaurant-style touch.
- Beverage pairings: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a refreshing fruit punch complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
- Finishing touches: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan just before serving makes the dish look and taste extra special.
Tips for the Best Results
These practical tips will help you avoid common mistakes and make your meal turn out perfectly every time:
- Season generously: Pasta and cream can dull flavors, so don’t be shy with seasoning.
- Cook chicken properly: Sear it over medium-high heat to lock in juices and create that golden crust.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Stop at al dente, since it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: It’s your secret weapon for loosening sauce without diluting flavor.
- Melt cheese slowly: Add it gradually over low heat to avoid clumping or graininess.
- Bake briefly: A short oven bake adds that irresistible cheesy crust without drying out the sauce.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then toss with fresh pasta just before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier melting.
- A nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best for evenly searing the chicken.
- Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cheese it can separate.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Leftovers can be baked with an extra sprinkle of cheese for a quick second meal.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 650 per serving
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 34g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fiber: 3g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then store them separately. Reheat the sauce gently, cook fresh pasta, and combine everything when ready to serve for the best texture.
2. How can I make it lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, reduce the amount of cheese slightly, and use whole wheat pasta. You’ll still get a creamy, satisfying dish with fewer calories.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
While pasta with cream sauce doesn’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat slowly, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for better results.
4. What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of reserved pasta water, cream, or chicken broth until you reach your preferred consistency. Stir gently to keep the sauce smooth.
Conclusion
Cooking this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream feels like preparing a meal that’s meant to bring people together. It’s not fussy, it’s not complicated, but it delivers every time with its balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and golden chicken. This is the kind of dinner that makes even a weekday feel special, especially when the aroma of garlic and cheese fills the kitchen.
What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. You can adapt it for picky eaters, make it spicier for bold palates, or keep it classic for family gatherings. It’s indulgent enough for a Saturday night but simple enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. And let’s be honest, any recipe that combines mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese in one sauce is already destined to be a crowd favorite.
If you’ve been craving a cheesy, comforting pasta that still feels elevated, give this recipe a try. Serve it with a simple salad and bread on the side, and you’ll have a complete meal that leaves everyone happy. Once you see how quickly it disappears, this dish will become part of your regular dinner rotation.
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Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the softened cream cheese, whisking until it’s fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is thick, creamy, and glossy. Taste and season with salt, and add red pepper flakes if you’d like extra spice.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until each bowtie is coated in the creamy sauce. Fold in the chicken pieces so they’re nestled throughout.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle more mozzarella on top, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 8: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 870
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Protein: 42