Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties With Mozzarella Cream Sauce

A rich and comforting pasta dish where succulent chicken and bowtie pasta are coated in a creamy, cheesy garlic butter sauce that feels indulgent but still homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this recipe because it hits all the cozy, comfort food notes: garlic, cream, cheese, and tender chicken. It’s hearty but elegant, and the sauce clings beautifully to the bowtie pasta. It’s one‑pan friendly (aside from boiling pasta), so less cleanup, more satisfaction.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties With Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
1 lb bowtie pasta
4 cups heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice

Directions

Boil Pasta:
I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Then I drain it and set it aside.
Cook Chicken:
I heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the chicken pieces, season them with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a bit of salt, and cook for 6–8 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Then I remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Make Sauce:
In the same skillet, I melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. I add the minced garlic and sauté it about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Then I pour in the heavy cream and add the softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Next, I stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until the sauce becomes creamy and thick. I taste and adjust salt (and pepper) as needed.
Combine Pasta and Chicken:
I return the cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet, tossing gently until everything is well coated in that luscious sauce. If I want more heat, I sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes now.
Serve:
I serve the dish warm, and if I’m feeling extra indulgent, I top with more mozzarella and chopped parsley for color.

Servings And Timing

Serves: about 4 generous portions
Prep Time: ~10 minutes
Cooking Time (chicken + sauce + combining): ~20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~30 to 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap part of the cream with half‑and‑half to lighten it, though it won’t be as rich.
I may use penne, fusilli, or another pasta shape instead of bowties.
For extra veggies, I stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun‑dried tomatoes.
I swap mozzarella for fontina or a blend of Italian cheeses to vary the flavor.
To add a smoky edge, I mix in a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm slowly over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. I stir frequently to keep the cheese smooth. I avoid microwaving, since the sauce can separate.

FAQs

Will this sauce get too thick or too thin?

If it becomes too thick, I add a bit more cream or milk to loosen it. If too thin, I let it simmer a bit longer until it reduces and thickens.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties With Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes — thighs work great and stay juicy. Just make sure to cut them similarly in size so they cook evenly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat them together, then cook and add the pasta just before serving. The texture is best when freshly combined.

Does this work with a different pasta shape?

Absolutely — any shape that holds sauce (like penne, rigatoni, rotini) will work well here.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes — I often add vegetables like spinach, broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties With Mozzarella Cream Sauce is one of those comforting, indulgent pasta dinners I love making when I want something warm and satisfying. It’s rich, flavorful, and customizable. I hope you enjoy making it (and eating it) as much as I do.