Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Creamy mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties are the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to the perfect creamy sauce. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Golden French Toast and Easy Crockpot Garlic Herb Chicken & Veggies for Cozy Nights.
Why This Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Is Pure Comfort
- The creamy mozzarella sauce is irresistible.
- Garlic butter chicken is tender and full of flavor.
- Bowties pasta holds the sauce perfectly.
- It's ready in just 20 minutes, better than takeout!
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.
- chicken breasts
- bowtie pasta
- mozzarella cheese
- garlic
- butter
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
- heavy cream
- chicken broth
- Optional: fresh parsley
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best.
- mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella is preferred for the best melt.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing. → See on Amazon
- Immersion blender — Easily blend the sauce right in the pan. → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
- Step 1: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook in a hot pan with olive oil until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add cooked chicken back to the pan, along with cooked pasta and mozzarella cheese. Use an immersion blender to create a creamy sauce. Stir in fresh parsley and serve.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken or it will become tough. Remove it from the pan when it's still slightly pink in the middle, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the heavy cream.
- Pro tip: To make this dish even creamier, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
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 for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the pasta and chicken.
Freezing Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
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 vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sliced mushrooms or tofu.
- Best substitution: Farfalle pasta can be used as a substitute for bowtie pasta.
- Make-ahead: The cooked pasta and chicken can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before combining with the sauce.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little more chicken broth or milk.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality pasta pot — Ensures perfectly cooked pasta every time. → Check price on Amazon
Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breasts
- bowtie pasta
- mozzarella cheese
- garlic
- butter
Seasonings
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
- heavy cream
- chicken broth
Optional Toppings
- fresh parsley
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook in a hot pan with olive oil until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add cooked chicken back to the pan, along with cooked pasta and mozzarella cheese. Use an immersion blender to create a creamy sauce. Stir in fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sliced mushrooms or tofu.
- Best substitution: Farfalle pasta can be used as a substitute for bowtie pasta.
- Make-ahead: The cooked pasta and chicken can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before combining with the sauce.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little more chicken broth or milk.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- 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: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before adding the pasta and chicken.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sat. Fat: 20g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
Overcooking the chicken and pasta can make the dish dry. Be sure to remove the chicken from the pan when it's still slightly pink in the middle and don't overcook the pasta.
No, this recipe is best made on the stovetop. The air fryer is not suitable for cooking pasta or creating a creamy sauce.
A combination of milk and flour can be used as a substitute for heavy cream. Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 cup of milk and use it in place of the heavy cream.
Yes, this dish is perfect for a cozy winter dinner. The creamy sauce and warm flavors will make it a hit on chilly nights.
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!
