After a long day at the office, I came home to a hungry crew and a kitchen that felt far too quiet. My husband was helping our youngest finish her math homework, and my teenager was raiding the fridge for anything remotely edible.

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It was one of those weeknights where I needed something comforting but quick, the kind of meal that feels a little fancy without requiring a culinary degree. That’s when I thought of pasta—specifically, bowties. They’ve got this cheerful, family-friendly charm that somehow makes dinner feel fun.

I tossed together chicken, garlic, and butter while chatting about everyone’s day, and within minutes, the house smelled like a cozy Italian bistro. The moment that creamy mozzarella sauce hit the pan, even my picky eater wandered in to see what was cooking.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta turned an ordinary Tuesday night into something special. The best part? It used simple ingredients I already had on hand. It’s meals like this that remind me why I love ending my day in the kitchen, it’s where the chaos settles, and the laughter begins.

Short Description

A creamy, garlicky pasta dish that combines tender chicken, buttery sauce, and melted mozzarella for the ultimate family dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need comfort in a bowl.

Key Ingredients

8 ounces bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound boneless chicken breasts, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Tools Needed

Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Colander
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. The pieces should be tender with a slight crisp on the edges.

Step 3: Add Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic cooks quickly.

Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently as it begins to simmer. Add the shredded mozzarella a little at a time, stirring until the sauce turns creamy and smooth. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet, tossing until every piece is coated in that rich garlic-butter cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright finish. Serve warm, straight from the pan, and watch it disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Flavor: The blend of garlic, butter, and mozzarella creates a luxurious sauce that clings to every bowtie.

Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.

Family-Friendly: Simple ingredients, big comfort—everyone at the table will love it.

Customizable: Easy to adapt with vegetables, extra cheese, or a protein swap.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and delivers restaurant-worthy results.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the Pasta: Cook only until al dente; it will continue softening in the sauce.

Curdled Sauce: Don’t boil the cream. Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cheese to maintain a smooth consistency.

Dry Chicken: Avoid overcooking by cutting the chicken evenly and removing it from the heat once golden.

Lumpy Cheese: Add mozzarella gradually and stir continuously for a silky texture.

Too Salty: Use unsalted butter and taste before seasoning—cheese already adds saltiness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve it as a main dish with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad for balance.

For drinks, try sparkling water with lemon or a light Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce.

Perfect for family-style serving, letting everyone dig in at once.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

Avoid Microwave Overheating: Use short intervals and stir between each to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or fettuccine work beautifully with this sauce.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or evaporated milk can substitute, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

4. Is it okay to use pre-shredded mozzarella?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly without the added starch.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Try spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Warm the serving bowls before adding the pasta—it helps keep it creamy longer.

For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Sprinkle a little parmesan on top for added depth.

Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and sweetness.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Alfredo Twist: Replace mozzarella with parmesan for a sharper, nuttier taste.

Garlic Shrimp Bowties: Swap chicken for shrimp and cook just until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Vegetable Delight: Sauté zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms before adding the cream for a lighter, veggie-forward version.

Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper or a spoon of Cajun seasoning for extra boldness.

Baked Version: Transfer the finished pasta to a casserole dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Final Thoughts

Dinner doesn’t always have to be complicated to feel special. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta has become one of those meals that brings everyone to the table fast—no reminders needed. The creamy sauce, the buttery aroma, and that touch of garlic comfort the soul after a busy day. I often make it when I want something warm and filling but still simple enough for a weeknight.

When I see my kids twirling bowties and my husband going back for seconds, I know the day’s chaos was worth it. Cooking this dish feels like hitting pause on the world for just a moment, and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties With Mozzarella Sauce