Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce Recipe

There’s something truly special about a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. When I first started experimenting with Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce, I was reminded of those long afternoons on Mama Lu’s porch, where the air was thick with the scent of fresh herbs and the promise of comfort food. This dish, with its rich, buttery garlic sauce and ooey-gooey mozzarella, brings back that same feeling — a reminder that food isn’t just fuel, but a way to share love and stories across generations.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Raised deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, I grew up with meals that didn’t just fill stomachs but wove families closer together. This recipe, a playful twist on classic comfort food, captures that essence perfectly. The bowtie pasta is a fun, nostalgic shape that holds onto the creamy mozzarella sauce like a little edible blanket. The chicken, seared to golden perfection and infused with garlic butter, adds a hearty, satisfying bite that’s sure to please everyone at your table.

What I love most about this dish is how approachable it is. It feels elevated without being fussy — a quality Mama Lu prized above all. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together on a weeknight but still impress guests with on a Sunday afternoon. Plus, the mozzarella cream sauce is downright addictive, rich enough to comfort but simple enough not to overwhelm.

From my own kitchen in Portland to your table, this recipe carries the heart of the mountains with the ease of a city cook. It’s perfect for anyone who treasures food as a language of love, just like we did back home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

• 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Substitution suggestions:
• For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
• If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, try provolone or fontina for a different melt and flavor profile.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 520 per serving (serves 4)
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg

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Steps to Create Your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning.
3. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Lower the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant — careful not to burn it, as Mama Lu always warned me.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Let the cream reduce slightly for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken just a bit.
6. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the mozzarella cream sauce. Then, add the drained bowtie pasta and fold everything together until well combined and heated through.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of brightness.
9. Serve immediately, and watch how this dish brings smiles to the table — just like Mama Lu’s Sunday pot roasts used to do back home.

Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

One thing Mama Lu taught me was to trust your senses. Don’t just follow recipes mechanically; listen to your food. When searing chicken, the smell and color tell you when it’s ready to flip. When simmering your sauce, watch for that perfect velvety texture before adding cheese. Learn more: Irresistible Honey Pepper Chicken Mac Recipe You Need to Try

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor — the kind that fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
• Don’t rush the sauce; letting it simmer gently helps the cream thicken and deepens the flavors.
• Reserve pasta water — it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency without watering down the taste.
• For extra richness, finish the sauce with a small pat of butter stirred in at the end.
• Cook pasta just shy of al dente if you plan to mix it into the sauce and finish cooking together — it’ll soak up that cheesy goodness perfectly.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties dish is a meal all on its own, but it’s also lovely alongside some simple sides that balance its richness. I often think back to Mama Lu’s garden when planning these pairings — fresh, bright, and unfussy.

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
• Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli.
• Warm, crusty bread or a slice of cornbread for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• If you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the garlic butter beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Like many of the dishes Mama Lu shared with our family, this one tastes just as good the next day — perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to keep that creamy magic intact:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy. But if you must, reheat in short bursts and stir well between intervals.
• This dish also freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce?

The main ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce?

The total time to make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.

Can I make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.

What can I serve with Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce?

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.

Is Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce suitable for special diets?

Depending on the ingredients used, Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless about gathering around a plate of Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce — a dish that feels like it was made with a pinch of salt and a whole lot of soul, just like Mama Lu’s cooking. It’s a reminder that meals are more than just food; they’re a way to connect, to comfort, and to carry on traditions.

Whether you’re making this for a quiet night at home or sharing it with loved ones, I hope it brings you the same warmth and satisfaction it’s brought me. After all, in the Blue Ridge Mountains or the bustling streets of Portland, good food is the language we all understand.