There’s something magical about the mix of garlic butter and pasta—rich, creamy, and comforting in all the right ways. This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is the ultimate family-friendly dinner that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any weeknight. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious cheese sauce, this dish is pure comfort in a bowl.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
If you love creamy pasta dishes that feel restaurant-worthy but take less than 30 minutes, this recipe’s for you.
- Buttery garlic flavor that melts into every bite
- Juicy chicken and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta
- Creamy, cheesy sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan
- Great for weeknight dinners or date nights in
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Ready in under 30 minutes
This recipe takes me back to my early cooking days—making pasta in my first apartment near Austin, trying to stretch every ingredient but still make it taste like something my mom would be proud of. Garlic, butter, and cheese were my secret weapons then, and they still are now.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
A handful of simple ingredients transform into a rich, garlicky, creamy masterpiece.
Main 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
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for color and texture
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper for a little heat
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone for a deeper flavor
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Creamy garlic pasta perfection is just a few steps away.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Base: In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. (Don’t let it brown—it should smell buttery, not bitter.)
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheeses: Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth and creamy. (If too thick, add a splash of broth.)
- Combine Everything: Add the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and spice.
Quick reminders:
- Don’t overheat the cream—it can separate.
- Stir constantly when adding cheese for a silky sauce.
- Save some pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
EXPERT TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Creamy garlic pasta is all about balance—richness, salt, and texture.
- Always cook pasta al dente; it will continue cooking in the sauce
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt
- Sear chicken until golden for maximum flavor
- For extra garlic punch, add roasted garlic cloves
- Pair with garlic butter pasta for double flavor
- Or serve alongside garlic steak tortellini for a steakhouse-inspired spread
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a bright finish
This is the kind of dinner you can make any night of the week and still feel like you’re treating yourself.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve this mozzarella chicken bowtie pasta hot and creamy right out of the skillet.
- With a side of garlic parmesan dinner rolls
- Toss in roasted vegetables for a hearty one-pan meal
- Pair with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad
- Add a glass of sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing balance
- Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests
A dish like this doesn’t need much—just good company and maybe a little extra cheese on top.
STORING AND REHEATING
Leftovers reheat beautifully and make amazing next-day lunches.
How to Store It
- Cool before storing
- Keep in airtight containers up to 4 days in the fridge
- Freeze in portions for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight before reheating
- Store sauce and pasta separately if possible for best texture
How to Reheat It
- Stovetop: reheat on low with a splash of milk or cream
- Microwave: heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each
- Oven: bake covered at 325°F for 10–12 minutes
- Avoid high heat to prevent curdling
- Stir well before serving to bring back creaminess
The sauce stays velvety and rich with a few simple reheating tricks.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 650 | Sugar: 2g | Sodium: 900mg | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Unsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0g | Carbohydrates: 46g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 42g | Cholesterol: 150mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes—penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work great.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, make the sauce and chicken in advance; reheat and add pasta before serving.
What can I serve with it?
It pairs beautifully with honey pepper chicken pasta or a side of Greek chicken bowls for variety.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is the perfect mix of creamy comfort and simple elegance. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—rich, cheesy, and full of love.
- Always use fresh garlic for the best aroma
- Mix your cheeses for flavor depth
- Serve hot and fresh—pasta waits for no one
Meals like this remind me why I cook: to make simple ingredients come alive with warmth, heart, and a touch of butter.
Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor.
- Stir sauce gently to avoid curdling.
- Save pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
