Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor – the ultimate comfort pasta!

If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that combines juicy chicken, buttery garlic, and a silky mozzarella cream sauce, this is the dish you’ve been waiting for. Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties are perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or even as a crowd-pleasing party dish.

This recipe takes only about 30 minutes, but the taste feels like you’ve been cooking for hours. Let’s dive in step by step and discover why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bowtie pasta holds sauce perfectly – every bite is coated in cheesy creaminess.
Juicy chicken bites – seasoned with Cajun spice and smoked paprika for a touch of heat and depth.
Rich garlic butter flavor – the foundation of the sauce.
Silky mozzarella cream sauce – a blend of heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Versatile – you can swap the chicken for shrimp, add vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or bake it into a cheesy casserole.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

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 (farfalle)
4 cups heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes for extra spice
Optional garnish: chopped parsley

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun spice, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Prepare the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
Add cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
Lower the heat and slowly add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is thick and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Combine Everything

Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet.
Toss well until all the pasta is coated in the cheesy garlic butter cream sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick (optional).

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, topped with extra mozzarella and fresh parsley.
Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Time

Total: 30 minutes

Servings

6 servings

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~780
Protein: ~38g
Carbs: ~56g
Fat: ~45g

Pro Tips for Success

Use freshly grated cheese – pre-shredded cheeses don’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t overcook garlic – it should be golden and fragrant, not burnt.
Adjust thickness – add pasta water if sauce gets too thick, or let it simmer a bit longer if you want it thicker.
Add veggies – spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli work beautifully in this dish.
Turn it into a bake – transfer pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until golden.

Serving Ideas

With garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
Alongside a fresh Caesar salad for balance.
With a glass of white wine for a restaurant-style dinner at home.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Not recommended for freezing (cream sauces tend to separate).

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food – rich, indulgent, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, a date night, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to impress.