There are some meals that just make you close your eyes and sigh with happiness and this is one of them. Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce isn’t just dinner, it’s a warm hug in a skillet. Creamy, cheesy, rich with flavor, and packed with tender chicken and buttery garlic? Yes, yes, YES. And the best part? It’s so simple to make.
What Is Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta?
This recipe is a creamy, savory pasta dish where juicy Cajun-spiced chicken meets silky garlic butter sauce, tossed with bowtie pasta and two kinds of cheese—mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s indulgent, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes. The whole thing comes together in one skillet + one pot, making it a weeknight dream.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Fast + easy: Dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.
- Maximum flavor: Cajun seasoning, garlic, and two cheeses? Nothing bland here!
- One-pan magic: Less mess, more flavor. Perfect for busy nights.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters are licking their plates.
- Creamy and dreamy: That sauce? Oh. My. Word.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine this: buttery garlic meets the gentle heat of Cajun spices, wrapping every forkful of bowtie pasta in a creamy, cheesy embrace. The chicken is golden and juicy, the sauce is velvety and rich, and the mozzarella melts into gooey perfection. It’s the kind of meal where silence falls at the table because everyone is too busy devouring.
Health & Comfort, All in One
While this dish definitely leans toward comfort food, it’s made with real, whole ingredients—like chicken breast, garlic, and Parmesan—and can easily be adapted to suit your dietary needs (more on that below!). Plus, it’s protein-packed and satisfying, so you won’t be reaching for snacks an hour later.
Ingredients Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional garnish: Chopped parsley
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Make it yours! Here are some ideas:
- Pasta: Swap bowties for penne, rotini, or shells. Anything that holds sauce!
- Cream cheese: Use mascarpone for an even silkier finish.
- Add-ins: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun spice.
- Protein swap: Shrimp or sausage would work beautifully here.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute—your kitchen will smell amazing right about now. 😍
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then whisk in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Lower the heat and stir in ¾ cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan. Keep stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Toss the Pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is coated in that cheesy garlic butter goodness.
Step 6: Final Touches
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until melty. Return the chicken to the skillet and garnish with parsley if desired.
What to Serve with This Dish
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread (never too much garlic, right?)
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is key—it’ll keep cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Warm the cream cheese slightly before adding for easier blending.
- Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- Save some pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
How to Store & Reheat
To store: Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
To reheat: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream and warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Freezing not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce which may separate.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then just boil fresh pasta and combine when ready to serve.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. A mix of whole milk + a bit of butter can help mimic the richness.
Is this spicy?
It has a gentle Cajun warmth but isn’t “hot.” Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta is it. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and just the right amount of cozy—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
More Recipes You’ll Love (Especially If You Like Comfort Food!)
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
- One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Orzo
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~620
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Note: Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients and quantities used.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Description
There are some meals that just make you close your eyes and sigh with happiness—and this is one of them. Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce isn’t just dinner, it’s a warm hug in a skillet. Creamy, cheesy, rich with flavor, and packed with tender chicken and buttery garlic? Yes, yes, YES. And the best part? It’s so simple to make.
Ingredients
1 lb bowtie pasta
1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute—your kitchen will smell amazing right about now. 😍
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then whisk in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Lower the heat and stir in ¾ cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan. Keep stirring until melted and creamy.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is coated in that cheesy garlic butter goodness.
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until melty. Return the chicken to the skillet and garnish with parsley if desired.
