Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Mozzarella garlic butter chicken served with bowties in creamy sauce
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why make this recipe

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is a delicious, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. It’s an easy recipe that combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and mozzarella. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, offering a satisfying flavor that will please both kids and adults alike.

how to make Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound bowtie pasta
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Gradually add mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
  7. Return the pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
  8. Stir in parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or cheese if desired.

how to serve Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

Serve this dish warm, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread. You can top it with extra parsley or sprinkle more mozzarella cheese on the top for added flavor and presentation.

how to store Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to two months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

tips to make Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be golden brown and cooked through but still juicy.
  • For a creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or mozzarella cheese if desired.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

variation

You can customize this dish by using different pasta shapes, such as penne or fusilli. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein if you prefer a different protein source.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cheese like cheddar or gouda if you prefer their flavor over mozzarella.

2. Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional. If you want a milder dish, you can leave them out.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine them before serving.

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

A delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 1 pound bowtie pasta
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
Creamy Sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream for a creamy texture
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced extra flavor
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) for heat
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Gradually add mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
  5. Return the pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
  6. Stir in parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serving
  1. Serve this dish warm, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread.
  2. You can top it with extra parsley or sprinkle more mozzarella cheese on the top for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to two months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be golden brown and cooked through but still juicy.

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