Crispy, golden brown chicken bathed in a decadent, cheesy sauce that clings to perfectly cooked bowtie pasta – this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is comfort food elevated. The combination of savory chicken, fragrant garlic butter, and the creamy, melty mozzarella creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make.
This recipe works because the garlic butter infuses the chicken and sauce with a rich, aromatic base, while the cream cheese and mozzarella provide a luscious, velvety texture. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty complexity that balances the richness. This is a perfect weeknight dinner when you need something quick, delicious, and guaranteed to please the whole family.
Why you’ll love this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
- It’s ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- The cheesy garlic butter sauce is incredibly flavorful and coats every piece of chicken and pasta.
- This is a one-pan meal, reducing the amount of cleanup required.
- It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- The combination of chicken, pasta, and cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in this cheesy garlic butter chicken dish.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheesy garlic butter chicken makes every moment feel comforting. For a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. For those seeking an even cheesier flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of asiago.
How to make Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth and melted. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Stir in the cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and top with additional mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for a smoother sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – aim for al dente.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. A crusty loaf of bread is also perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a delicious starter, consider this peanut butter pretzel bark. Alternatively, serve with a crisp, refreshing sparkling water or iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consume within 2-3 months.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes a small amount of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, but you can easily adjust the amount to your preference. Omit them entirely for a mild flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just remember that some cheeses melt better than others. Don’t hesitate to add this chicken diablo recipe to your menu too!
This Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a guaranteed hit, offering a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Indulge in this comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, a rich and creamy mozzarella sauce infused with garlic butter, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The cheesy garlic butter sauce coats every strand of pasta and piece of chicken for an explosion of flavor in every bite. This dish is so rich and satisfying, you’ll be craving it again and again. It’s the ultimate comfort food made easy!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth and melted. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and top with additional mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes. You can also substitute other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg