Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

This one-pan bowl of comfort is built for busy nights. Tender diced chicken and gooey mozzarella come together with a garlic butter base and a silky cream sauce. Bowtie pasta cooks fast and so does the whole dish, making it ideal for weeknight dinner victories. Pair with a simple side like cheesy garlic knots for an even faster complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe trims time by using quick-cooking bowtie pasta and diced chicken so nothing stalls on the stove. The garlic butter base gives instant savory depth with minimal ingredients and effort. Heavy cream plus shredded mozzarella melts into a smooth, clingy sauce that coats every bowtie without extra steps. Browning the chicken first builds flavorful bits that enrich the sauce as it simmers. The method keeps the pan simple so cleanup is fast. It’s a reliable, repeatable formula that delivers big taste with little fuss.

Flavor and Texture

Garlic and butter create a warm, classic backbone while mozzarella adds mild, stretchy cheese pull without overpowering the dish. The heavy cream smooths and balances the flavors so the sauce is rich but not grainy. Bowtie pasta has a firm bite and twists that trap sauce in each knot for satisfying mouthfuls. Diced chicken provides meaty texture and browning brings a light caramel note. Finish with fresh parsley for a clean herbal lift and a bright color contrast.

Ingredients

• 2 cups bowtie pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, then add the cooked pasta.
5. Gradually stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Dice the chicken uniform and small so it cooks through in under seven minutes. Use pre-shredded mozzarella to skip grating and save time. If you want more flavor fast add a splash of store-bought chicken broth before the cream for quick deglazing. Leftover rotisserie chicken also works: fold it in at the end just to warm through. For an easy side swap, serve with a slice of buttermilk bread to soak up extra sauce.

Storage and Meal Prep

Cool the dish to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. For meal prep, keep pasta and sauce separate and combine when reheating to preserve texture. Freezing is not recommended for best creamy texture.

Short Closing Note

This recipe is fast, forgiving, and perfect for busy cooks who want comfort without the oven time. One skillet and a short grocery list make it a dependable weeknight winner.

Conclusion

For a full reference and original inspiration, see Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream – Cook.

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