Description
Craving something rich, creamy, and irresistibly satisfying? This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is the ultimate comfort food and a must-try if you’re after quick dinner ideas, cozy food recipes, or easy pasta dishes packed with flavor. Golden seared chicken tossed in a garlic butter sauce meets velvety mozzarella cream, all perfectly clinging to bowtie pasta. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner, indulgent weekend treat, or centerpiece for a casual gathering. Whether you’re seeking easy dinner inspiration or a cozy pasta night dish, this recipe hits every note!
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz bowtie pasta
Salt for pasta water
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil water in a large pot with salt, then cook bowtie pasta until al dente (about 10–12 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until golden and done (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Whisk in cream and milk, simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan slowly until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
5. Add cooked pasta and toss gently in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Return chicken to pan and stir in parsley.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, Parmesan, or more chili flakes.
Notes
Always shred mozzarella fresh for the best melt—pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it’s key to balancing the sauce’s texture.
Let your chicken rest after cooking before slicing or tossing it back in for maximum juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg