Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle), dry; 1.5 pounds boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened ((room temperature)); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, juicy, and downright comforting, Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce is one of those weeknight winners that makes everyone smile. This dish marries tender, seasoned chicken with a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce that clings to bowtie pasta, giving you bite after satisfying bite. Fun fact: bowtie pasta (farfalle) is perfect for holding chunky sauces and little pockets of cheese — which is why this recipe feels so indulgent without being fussy.

If you love simple, crowd-pleasing dinners, this one’s for you. It comes together quickly, uses everyday ingredients, and can be doubled for leftovers. If you enjoyed my take on Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini, you’ll find this dish equally comforting but with a cheesier, mozzarella-forward twist. Grab a skillet and let’s make dinner magic — your family will thank you.

What is Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce?

What’s in a name? A lot of deliciousness, apparently. Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce sounds fancy, but it’s really just good food dressed up for company. Think: garlicky butter-sautéed chicken tucked into bowtie pasta and smothered in a velvety cream sauce studded with cream cheese, Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella. Why the playful name? Maybe because bowties make dinner feel dressed up, and who doesn’t like a meal that looks sharp and tastes even better?

Is it sophisticated or homey? Both. Could it win over skeptics? Absolutely — after all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Try it once and you’ll see why. Go ahead, make it tonight and surprise someone you love.

Why You’ll Love This

There are so many reasons this recipe becomes an instant favorite. First, the main highlight is the creamy mozzarella cream sauce — silky, cheesy, and full of garlic flavor that wraps every pasta strand. Second, making this at home saves money compared to takeout or restaurant pasta dishes; basic pantry staples transform into something luxurious without breaking the bank. Third, the flavor combination — seasoned Cajun chicken, garlic butter, cream, and two kinds of cheese — is irresistible and customizable with toppings like parsley or extra Parmesan.

If you liked the comfort of Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, you’ll appreciate how this version keeps things familiar while leaning into mozzarella’s melting magic. Ready to taste-test your new weekday staple? Let’s do it.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights. Preparation is straightforward: cook pasta, brown seasoned chicken, then make a creamy garlic-cheese sauce in the same skillet so you save time and dishes. The sauce is rich and smooth, the chicken stays juicy with a slightly crisp exterior, and the bowties hold the sauce beautifully. Prep time: about 10 minutes. Cook time: about 20 minutes. Total time: roughly 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle), dry
1.5 pounds boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well, then set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and lump-free. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring so each bowtie is well coated.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the cheesy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce

What to Serve With

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to mop up the sauce.
Steamed or roasted broccoli or green beans for a bright, crunchy side.
A light tomato and cucumber salad for a fresh contrast.
For drinks, serve a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente so it holds up when tossed with the sauce.
If the sauce gets too thick, thin with a splash of pasta water or extra chicken broth.
For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
To make it milder, reduce the Cajun seasoning; for extra kick, add red pepper flakes.
Avoid high heat when simmering the cream to prevent curdling; low and slow is best.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; texture may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well — any pasta that holds sauce will be fine.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use reduced-fat cream cheese, but expect a slightly less rich sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or cooked chickpeas for protein.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free bowtie pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I prepare parts ahead of time?
Yes. Cut the chicken and soften the cream cheese ahead. Cook pasta and chicken separately, then assemble and finish the sauce when ready.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce is an easy, indulgent meal that proves weeknight dinners can be both simple and impressive. It’s creamy, flavorful, and made with affordable ingredients you likely have on hand. If you want to explore a similar twist or compare methods, check out Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream – Cook … (Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream – Cook …). Try it tonight, share it with friends, and enjoy the smiles around your table.