When you need a comforting dinner that feels rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this pasta dish is a great choice. Tender chicken, bowtie pasta, garlic butter, and a smooth cheesy cream sauce come together in one skillet to create a meal that tastes indulgent and satisfying. It is the kind of recipe that works well for family dinners, cozy evenings, or anytime you want something hearty and homemade.
What makes this dish especially appealing is the combination of textures and flavors. The bowtie pasta holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, the chicken is seasoned and golden, and the melted mozzarella adds an extra layer of cheesy richness. With garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of Cajun seasoning, every bite is warm, savory, and full of comfort.
Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
This pasta dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor from garlic, butter, and seasoned chicken. The mozzarella melts into the sauce and creates a smooth, comforting texture that coats every piece of pasta. It is a filling and crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both cozy and impressive.
Ingredients
1 pound bowtie pasta
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Stir constantly so the garlic softens and releases its flavor without burning.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk gently until it melts into the liquid and forms a smooth sauce. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer so the flavors can blend together.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella along with all of the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce becomes creamy, smooth, and glossy.
Return the cooked pasta and the chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the bowtie pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy cream sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts into soft, gooey pockets throughout the dish.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. This final step gives the sauce a richer flavor and a silky finish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Final Words
Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is the kind of dinner that brings comfort and flavor to the table with very little stress. The combination of tender chicken, pasta, garlic butter, and melted cheese makes it a recipe that feels satisfying from the very first bite. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this creamy pasta dish is one people will gladly ask for again.
Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
Ingredients
1 pound bowtie pasta
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain well, then set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. This step makes the sauce deeply flavorful, so take your time without burning the garlic.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors come together.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 3/4 cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and glossy, with no lumps.
Step 6: Return the cooked pasta and seared chicken to the skillet. Toss everything well so each bowtie gets coated in the cheesy cream sauce.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese melts into gooey pockets.
Step 8: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. This final step gives the sauce a silky finish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.