What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Bowtie pasta is ideal as it holds sauce well, but penne or rotini also work nicely for catching the creamy mozzarella sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and rich flavor, making them an excellent alternative to chicken breasts.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened and whisk it well into the sauce for a super smooth, velvety texture.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms make delicious add-ins and complement the flavors beautifully.

How do I reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?

Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth and maintain its creamy consistency.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

A bowl of Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce is pure comfort in a skillet. This dish brings together golden seared chicken in a silky cream sauce loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan. The bowtie pasta soaks up every bit of garlicky richness and makes it a weeknight hit that always wins over my family. If you are craving something luscious but not fussy, this is your ticket.

The first night I served this, everyone went back for seconds and I ended up with zero leftovers. The sauce clings perfectly to the pasta and the leftovers are just as good—if you even have any.

Ingredients

Bowtie pasta: one pound. This pasta shape holds the sauce beautifully and gives each bite a little texture. Try to pick a good brand with thick pasta for best results.
Chicken breast or thighs: one and a half pounds, cut into bite sized pieces. Fresh chicken is best for tenderness and flavor. Avoid pre cut or frozen for a juicier dish.
Butter: two tablespoons. Adds rich flavor and helps brown the garlic well. Always use real butter for the best taste.
Garlic: four cloves, minced. Essential for the base flavor. Use fresh garlic for maximum punch and avoid jarred versions.
Cajun seasoning: two teaspoons. Lends spice and extra depth. Opt for one with no added fillers.
Paprika: one teaspoon. Adds smoky warmth. Look for a fresh deep red powder for full flavor.
Black pepper: half a teaspoon. Enhances seasoning and balances the cheesy sauce. Fresh ground if possible.
Salt: one teaspoon. Essential for balancing richness. Use kosher salt for even seasoning.
Heavy cream: one cup. This makes the sauce creamy and decadent. Always use real cream not milk.
Chicken broth: one cup. Rounds out the sauce and prevents it from becoming too thick. Look for a low sodium broth for better control.
Cream cheese: four ounces, softened. This ensures the sauce stays smooth and luscious. Softening it avoids lumps in your final sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: one cup, shredded, divided. This melts into the sauce for ultimate creaminess. Use block cheese you grate yourself for best melting.
Parmesan cheese: half a cup, grated. Brings sharp salty goodness. Buy a block and grate just what you need.
Olive oil: two tablespoons. For browning the chicken and adding subtle flavor. Use extra virgin for depth.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside. Pasta should be just tender so it will hold up in the creamy sauce.
Sear the Chicken:: Heat olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium high heat. Add bite sized chicken pieces, then sprinkle them evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken brown without stirring for a couple of minutes to lock in flavor, then stir and cook for about eight minutes until fully cooked and golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate so it stays juicy.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Base:: Lower the skillet heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan. Scrape up any flavorful bits left by the chicken. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. This step will infuse the butter and set up the flavor base for the sauce.
Make the Cheesy Cream Sauce:: Carefully pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk in the softened cream cheese, letting it melt down fully. Stir until smooth and gently bubbling. Reduce heat to low before moving to the cheese.
Melt the Cheeses:: Add three quarters of the shredded mozzarella plus all the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and watch as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Make sure all cheese is melted and the sauce is completely lump free. If it seems too thick you can splash in an extra little bit of broth.
Combine and Finish:: Add cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to ensure every bowtie gets coated. Pour the chicken back in and gently fold everything together. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover with a lid or foil for about two to three minutes. The heat will melt the cheese on top and bring everything together perfectly. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like for color.

A bowl of delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The mozzarella brings that glorious stringy pull every time you serve a spoonful. It is the cheese that always makes my boys race to the kitchen. My youngest once tried to sneak a bite as soon as the skillet hit the table and still talks about the cheese pull.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat, add a splash of milk or broth into the pan and warm gently over low heat. This keeps the sauce from tightening up too much.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap bowtie pasta for penne, rotini, or any short sturdy pasta. For the chicken, try thighs for more flavor or even use leftover rotisserie chicken. If you do not have mozzarella, try Monterey Jack or cheddar for a slightly different cheesy finish.

Serving Suggestions

I love to pair this with roasted broccoli or a crisp green salad. The sauce is rich so simple sides balance it out. Garlic bread is always welcome on the table with pasta like this.

Cultural Note

This recipe merges classic Italian pasta comfort with the American love of creamy cheese sauces. The addition of Cajun spice gives a playful twist that sets it apart from traditional Alfredo.

A delicious meal of Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

No matter how often I make it, this creamy chicken pasta dish never fails to satisfy. It has become a request for birthdays and cozy evenings at home and I bet it will steal the show at your table too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?: Bowtie pasta is ideal as it holds sauce well, but penne or rotini also work nicely for catching the creamy mozzarella sauce.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Yes, boneless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and rich flavor, making them an excellent alternative to chicken breasts.
→ How can I make the sauce extra creamy?: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened and whisk it well into the sauce for a super smooth, velvety texture.
→ Is it possible to add vegetables to this pasta?: Absolutely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms make delicious add-ins and complement the flavors beautifully.
→ How do I reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?: Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth and maintain its creamy consistency.