Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is pure comfort on a plate. Tender, bite-sized chicken pieces are seared until golden, then folded into pillowy bowtie pasta and bathed in a silky mozzarella cream sauce flavored with butter and freshly sautéed garlic. Each forkful delivers a rich, creamy mouthfeel, a gentle stretch from melted mozzarella, and a warm garlic aroma that fills the kitchen. The pasta holds the sauce beautifully, so every bite is coated and satisfying. This dish is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners, casual date nights, or when you want to feed a small crowd without fuss. It comes together quickly, yet tastes indulgent and restaurant worthy. Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread to sop up any extra sauce, and garnish with bright parsley for a fresh finish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups bowtie pasta, the classic farfalle shape that traps sauce in its folds.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, used to sear the chicken and add a light, fruity base note.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, to enrich the sauce and finish the dish with silkiness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced, for aromatic, savory flavor throughout the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream, the rich liquid base that creates a smooth, luscious sauce.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, stirred in gradually to melt into a creamy cheese sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, a blend of dried herbs to add depth and warmth.
• Salt and pepper to taste, to season the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for a bright, herbal garnish at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the chicken.
3. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cook in a single layer and stir occasionally for even browning.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate while you make the sauce.
5. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
7. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season the sauce with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Gradually add the mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
10. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined. This adds shine and richness.
11. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: About 800 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tip: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and adding to the skillet. Dry chicken browns better and develops more flavor.
• Tip: If the mozzarella does not melt smoothly, lower the heat and stir continuously. Adding a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water helps create a silkier sauce.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened.
• Freezing: This dish does not freeze well because the cream sauce can separate when thawed. For best results, freeze cooked chicken separately and prepare the sauce fresh.
• Variations using existing ingredients only: Increase the garlic to 6 cloves for a bolder garlic flavor. Add an extra 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for a cheesier sauce. Use all butter instead of olive oil to sear the chicken for a richer flavor.

FAQ

1. How long does this dish take to make?
   About 30 minutes from start to finish, including pasta cooking time.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes, use any short pasta you have, but bowties hold the sauce particularly well.

3. Is shredded mozzarella the best cheese for this sauce?
   Yes, shredded mozzarella melts smoothly and gives a mild, creamy texture.

4. Can I make this low sodium?
   Yes, reduce added salt and use low sodium chicken if needed, then adjust seasoning to taste.

5. How do I keep the sauce from separating?
   Stir continuously while melting cheese over low heat and add reserved pasta water if needed to smooth the sauce.

6. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
   Yes, fold in leftover cooked chicken during the final toss to heat through.

People Also Ask

1. What is the best way to brown chicken for pasta dishes?
   Heat oil in the skillet until shimmering, then add chicken in a single layer and do not overcrowd the pan. Let each side brown before turning.

2. How can I make the sauce creamier?
   Stir in the remaining butter at the end and melt the mozzarella slowly over low heat for a creamier texture.

3. Does mozzarella melt well into sauces?
   Shredded mozzarella melts well when added gradually and stirred over low to medium heat.

4. How do I prevent garlic from burning?
   Sauté garlic over medium or medium low heat and remove from direct high heat if it starts to brown too quickly.

5. Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
   Light cream has less fat and may result in a thinner sauce, but it can be used if you accept a lighter texture.

6. Should I rinse pasta after cooking?
   Do not rinse pasta. Keep some starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

7. What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
   A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich sauce without adding heaviness.

8. How do I reheat without drying out the chicken?
   Reheat gently on low heat and add a splash of cream or water to restore moisture.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce. For ideas and visual inspiration, check a similar take on this dish at Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream. If you want another simple recipe variation to compare, see Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce. Share a photo if you make it, and enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal with family and friends.