Hey there, love! How’s your day going? I hope you’re feeling cozy and ready to whip up something deliciously comforting. Let me take you back to a cool fall evening, when the leaves started to turn golden and the air filled with the distinct, comforting aroma of garlic sizzling in butter. It was one of those nights where all I wanted was a warm, hearty meal that wrapped me up like a favorite old sweater. That’s when I conjured up this delightful dish: Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream Delight. It truly is a hug in a bowl, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want to indulge after a long day. The tender chicken paired with bowtie pasta, slathered in garlic butter and a luscious cheesy cream sauce, is a melody of flavors and textures that will have your family coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy weeknight dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes.
Budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Comforting, cheesy flavors that warm the soul.
Customizable to fit your family’s tastes and dietary preferences.
Perfect for meal prepping and reheating for busy days.

Ingredients

Let’s gather the goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh adds more punch than powdered)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (go for the fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or more if you love the herbs)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get your hands a little floury and the kitchen smelling amazing? Let’s dive in!

Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water for later. This is liquid gold, trust me!
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is sizzling, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Combine It All: Toss the cooked bowtie pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Pro Tip: Don’t overmix! Just gently fold to keep the pasta from breaking.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Plate it up, and get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the base recipe, here are some fun twists you can try:

Veggie Boost: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to the mix for a healthy upgrade.
Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even pulled pork for a different take.
Cheesy Heaven: Feel free to add more cheese! A sprinkle of ricotta on top gives a beautiful creamy texture.
Spice It Up: If you want some heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
Make It a Bake: Transfer it to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to elevate your dining experience, here’s how I’d serve it:

Pair it with a side of buttery garlic bread for dipping. Yes, please!
Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for balance. A simple vinaigrette elevates the meal!
Enjoy a glass of chilled white wine — a lovely Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
Or, for cozy vibes, a warm cup of herbal tea can accompany your meal.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream Delight fresh:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of bowtie pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a fantastic alternative and adds a nutty flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.

What if I don’t like garlic?

No worries! You can skip the garlic altogether, or try using a little onion powder or shallots for flavor without the strong garlic taste.

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substituting Greek yogurt for the cream for a tangy twist. You could also double the veggies to add volume without the calories!

Is there a vegetarian option?

You bet! Just replace the chicken with your favorite hearty veggies, like mushrooms or eggplant. Add in some chickpeas for protein, and you’re all set!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before you’re ready to serve. The flavors will actually meld wonderfully if you let the chicken and sauce sit in the fridge for a couple of hours!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friend! Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream Delight is ready to steal the show at your dinner table. I hope you bring this recipe to life in your kitchen and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite. Feel free to share your thoughts or any tweaks you make in the comments below. I love hearing from you and can’t wait for you to try this comforting dish. Happy cooking!