Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
4 cups heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Make the Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until completely melted and smooth.
Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt into a rich, silky sauce. Season with salt to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the creamy mozzarella sauce.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and gently toss until every piece is coated in the rich garlic butter sauce. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend perfectly.
Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish. Sprinkle with extra shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and color.
Serve immediately while hot with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers. Tender, golden chicken is coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta in a velvety blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of savory garlic flavor with a gentle Cajun kick. This restaurant-quality meal is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve for family gatherings or special occasions.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm when mixed with the sauce.
Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to achieve a golden sear instead of steaming.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce if it thickens too much.
Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Variations
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, slightly tangy twist.
Replace the chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood version.
Use penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine instead of bowtie pasta if preferred.
Finish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 790 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 40 g
Fat: 50 g
Sugar: 4 g
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce is a rich, satisfying pasta dish that combines juicy chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and an irresistibly creamy cheese sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite for busy weeknights or comforting weekend dinners.