Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
Crispy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream — After making this many times, I’ve perfected the golden, crispy chicken and creamy sauce. The trick I discovered is cooking the pasta separately. This cozy dish is perfect for a hearty winter meal. Try it with my Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Golden Crust Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins and Creamy Sundried Tomato 'Marry Me' Gnocchi.
Why This Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy chicken in every bite
- Creamy, cheesy sauce that's irresistible
- Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes
- Better than takeout and family-friendly
What You'll Need for Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bowtie pasta
- Mozzarella cheese
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Butter
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing. → See on Amazon
- Good quality chef's knife — Clean cuts for faster prep and safer cooking. → See on Amazon
How to Make Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
- Prepare the chicken: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine and serve: Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine with the sauce. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a good sear.
- Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Pro tip: To make this dish in advance, cook the chicken and pasta separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.
Storing & Reheating Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time, then combine and reheat just before serving.
Freezing Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lower-carb option, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated when needed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality measuring cups and spoons — Accurate measurements for consistent results. → Check price on Amazon
Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bowtie pasta
- Mozzarella cheese
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Butter
Seasonings
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine and serve: Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine with the sauce. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lower-carb option, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated when needed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time, then combine and reheat just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sat. Fat: 20g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream FAQs
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.
This could be due to overcooking the pasta or not adding enough liquid to the sauce. To prevent this, make sure to cook the pasta al dente and add enough heavy cream to the sauce.
Yes, you can cook the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, then proceed with the recipe as written.
You can substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter version. Alternatively, you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
Yes, this recipe is not only delicious but also healthier and more cost-effective than takeout.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
