Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound bowtie pasta; 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something creamy, garlicky, and absolutely satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich mozzarella cream sauce hits all the right notes for me. With a touch of Cajun seasoning and paprika, it has just enough kick to keep things interesting without overpowering the creamy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish comes together in one pan and still delivers so much flavor. The garlic butter gives the chicken a savory base, while the cheesy sauce brings everything together with its silky, indulgent texture. It’s perfect for weeknights when I want a cozy meal without a lot of fuss, and it always disappears fast at the table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound bowtie pasta
1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
I add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook it for 6–8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. I remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
I stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, letting them melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
I return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked bowtie pasta. I toss everything together until fully coated in the cheesy sauce.
I let it cook for another minute or two to warm through, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes me around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so everything is ready in about 30 minutes.

Variations

When I want more heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
For extra depth, I use smoked paprika instead of regular.
I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
If I need to lighten it up, I swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to keep the texture smooth.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. I’ve made this with penne, rigatoni, and even spaghetti. Bowties just hold the sauce well and look fun.

Is it spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a mild kick, but it’s not overly spicy. I adjust the heat based on who I’m serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I cook the components and assemble everything just before serving. The sauce can be reheated easily with a splash of cream.

What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have mozzarella?

Fontina or Monterey Jack are good melty alternatives. I’ve also tried it with shredded provolone and it worked great.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I skip the chicken and add veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers. The sauce pairs well with just about anything.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce is the kind of meal I come back to again and again. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting—all in under 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just treating myself, this creamy pasta dish never disappoints.