Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect creamy sauce is to let it simmer and thicken. The crispy chicken and golden pasta will make your kitchen smell amazing. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Golden French Toast and Blueberry Butter Recipe.
Why This Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Is Pure Comfort
- Better than takeout
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies
What You'll Need for Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: Chopped fresh basil
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Stainless Steel Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing → See on Amazon
- Box Grater — Quick and easy shredding for cheese and vegetables → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
- Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet and toss to combine. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. It will become tough and dry. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- : For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- : To make ahead, cook the pasta and chicken separately, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the pasta and chicken in the sauce and serve.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge and reheat before adding the pasta.
Freezing Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Freeze cooked pasta and chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the sauce before serving.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a quicker cooking time, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Make-ahead: You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge and reheat before adding the pasta.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or chicken broth to thin it out. If it's too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Want to level up this recipe?
Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time → Check price on Amazon
Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Chopped fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet and toss to combine. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a quicker cooking time, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Make-ahead: You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge and reheat before adding the pasta.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or chicken broth to thin it out. If it's too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked pasta and chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the sauce before serving.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge and reheat before adding the pasta.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 720
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 52g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sat. Fat: 32g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties FAQs
Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge and reheat before adding the pasta.
The sauce may have turned out too thin if it was not simmered long enough to reduce and thicken. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be thinner.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy version.
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
