5-Star Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

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Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is the kind of recipe that brings instant joy to the dinner table. There’s something magical about a skillet bubbling with golden chicken, melty mozzarella, and silky cream. This dish delivers all the cozy, cheesy satisfaction you crave on a cool evening — and it’s surprisingly easy to bring together in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or indulging in a creamy pasta night solo, this dish has the power to comfort, impress, and become a weekly favorite.

If you love down-to-earth comfort food made with real ingredients, you’re in the right place. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest at Recipes By Sylvia for more cozy recipes straight from my kitchen.

Why This Creamy Chicken Pasta Stands Out

What makes this recipe so special is its balance of flavors and textures. The garlic butter chicken brings a savory depth, while the mozzarella and cream cheese offer a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. Unlike heavier Alfredo sauces, this one is silky yet airy, thanks to how the cheeses blend into the cream base.

And the bowtie pasta? It’s not just cute — its ridges and folds catch the sauce perfectly, making every forkful delightfully coated.

If you’re a fan of recipes like the Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Tortellini or the Creamy Salmon and Spinach Orzo, this one will absolutely earn its place in your rotation.

 Ingredients & Preparation

Every Ingredient Has a Role in the Comfort

When it comes to comfort food, balance matters. That’s exactly what makes this dish so irresistibly good. Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream starts with simple pantry staples, but together they create a dish that’s both luxurious and approachable.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it come to life:

 Ingredient Breakdown

Below is a clear, easy-to-follow breakdown of all the components that make this dish comforting and crave-worthy:

While the original recipe didn’t list garlic, I highly recommend including it here. After all, it’s garlic butter chicken — and those 3–4 cloves bring incredible flavor that can’t be skipped.

You might already have most of these items in your kitchen — and if you love recipes like Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine, you know how perfectly these ingredients come together.

Tools & Simple Swaps That Keep It Easy

You don’t need fancy equipment for this dish. A few reliable tools go a long way:

• Large nonstick skillet – To sear the chicken and build the sauce.

• Pasta pot + strainer – For boiling and draining the bowtie pasta.

• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring the creamy sauce gently.

Optional Substitutions:

• Pasta: Swap bowties for penne, rotini, or even fettuccine.

• Cheese: Try Fontina or Monterey Jack for a different melty texture.

• Cream: Half-and-half works in a pinch, but the sauce will be thinner.

• Protein: Use rotisserie chicken to speed things up on busy nights.

This recipe’s flexibility is part of why it’s become such a regular in my kitchen. And if you’re a fan of simple one-pot meals like the Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites, this one will feel like second nature.

 Cooking Instructions & Tips

Step-by-Step: How to Make It Creamy, Golden & Delicious

The beauty of Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream lies in its simplicity. You won’t need hours in the kitchen or a long list of steps. The whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes, and it’s as satisfying to cook as it is to eat.

Let’s walk through the process, one delicious step at a time:

1. Boil the Bowties

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions — usually around 10 minutes.

Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. You may want it to loosen the sauce later.

2. Cook the Chicken in Garlic Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 3–4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the bite-sized chicken pieces (1.5 lbs).

Season generously with salt and pepper and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Remove chicken and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the Cheesy Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (do not clean it!), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour in 4 cups of heavy cream and stir over medium-low heat. Add 4 oz softened cream cheese, breaking it up with a spoon.

Once the cream cheese is melted and fully combined, stir in:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

Keep stirring gently until everything is smooth and creamy. This is the heart of the sauce — velvety, cheesy, and rich.

If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.

4. Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the cheesy sauce. Then fold in the drained bowtie pasta, tossing everything together until evenly coated.

Turn off the heat, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese on top, and let it sit for a minute until it melts into the pasta.

You’ll end up with golden chicken bites nestled in rich, cheesy cream, wrapped around every little bowtie.

Tips & Tricks from My Kitchen

• Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt — pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents that can make sauce grainy.

• Don’t skip the garlic step — it makes the butter aromatic and deepens the overall flavor.

• If your sauce breaks or feels oily, a splash of the pasta water can bring it back together.

• For a spicier twist, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of pesto.

This dish has the comforting soul of baked pasta, but the creamy ease of a skillet dinner. It shares the same cozy vibes as the Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Cream Sauce — creamy, hearty, and totally family-approved.

 Serving, Storing & Pairing

What to Serve with Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

This dish is rich and cheesy, which means it pairs best with sides that are crisp, bright, or lightly seasoned to balance its creamy depth. When I serve Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream, I keep it simple but satisfying — think crunchy bread, green vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Here are my go-to pairings:

• Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta – Something crusty to mop up that luscious sauce.

• Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or green beans – The freshness helps cut through the richness.

• Crisp Caesar salad or a lemony arugula mix – Peppery greens and sharp dressing complement the cheesy notes.

If you enjoy recipes with that creamy-garlic-mozzarella trio, you’ll love the Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet, which also serves beautifully with a side of warm bread and a crisp salad.

This dish also makes a fantastic main course for potlucks or cozy dinner parties. Serve it in a large skillet with melted mozzarella on top, and you’ll have people going back for seconds. It’s that kind of meal — comforting, familiar, and undeniably satisfying.

How to Store and Reheat It Without Losing Creaminess

Leftovers of this dish? Rare, but it does happen! When they do, here’s how to keep them just as creamy the next day:

 Storage:

• Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Do not freeze, as the cream-based sauce may separate and become grainy.

 Reheating Tips:

• Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth before reheating to loosen the sauce.

• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring often until warmed through.

• Avoid microwaving in large batches — it can overcook the pasta and dry out the sauce. Instead, reheat in smaller portions for better consistency.

If you’re someone who loves batch-prep comfort dishes like Chicken Scampi Pasta, this one reheats in the same silky, rich way when handled gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred or chop and add it after the sauce is ready. Skip the searing step, but season well or add extra garlic butter for flavor.

What pasta works instead of bowties?
Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine all hold the sauce well. Choose a shape with ridges for best results.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but creamy sauces thicken over time. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating, and cook pasta just to al dente.

Is half-and-half okay?
It works, but the sauce will be lighter. Add a little more cream cheese or simmer longer to thicken.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for a flavorful meatless version.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is more than just a pasta dish — it’s comfort in a skillet. The tender bites of golden chicken, the silky mozzarella cream sauce, and the way every bowtie captures that cheesy richness make it a recipe worth repeating again and again. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to share around the table with loved ones.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love the creamy flavors in my Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Tortellini or the hearty goodness of Chicken Scampi Pasta. Both carry that same heartwarming, family-style satisfaction.

Now it’s your turn!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out. Please:

• Leave a rating and a comment below with your thoughts

• Save & share on Pinterest: Recipes By Sylvia on Pinterest

•  Tag me if you make it — I can’t wait to see your cheesy creations!

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