why make this recipe
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is simple, fast, and full of flavor. It uses basic ingredients you may already have: pasta, chicken, cream cheese, garlic, butter, and mozzarella. The dish cooks in one skillet after the pasta is done, so cleanup is easy. If you enjoy creamy, cheesy meals, this is a good choice. For a different cheesy dip that pairs well with many meals, try cheesy creamy buffalo chicken dip.
introduction
This recipe mixes cooked bowtie pasta with bite-sized chicken in a garlic butter cream sauce. The sauce uses cream cheese and mozzarella for a rich, smooth finish. You can make it on the stove in about 30 minutes. It feeds a small family and works well as a weeknight dinner.
how to make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Start with cooked pasta and a hot skillet. Sauté garlic in butter, cook seasoned chicken pieces, then melt cream cheese and stir in the pasta and mozzarella until creamy. Keep the heat low when you add the cream cheese so it melts smoothly. If you want to try a different chicken bite style, see this simple lemon garlic chicken bites for ideas on seasoning and size.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté until that delicious aroma starts wafting through your kitchen.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until they’re no longer pink.
- Lower the heat and add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it’s melted and beautifully combined.
- Gently mix in your cooked bowtie pasta and shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until everything is well coated and the cheese is gloriously melted.
- Serve hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh, chopped parsley on top for a pop of color!
how to serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Serve the dish hot on plates or in a shallow bowl. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. A side salad or steamed vegetables make a light balance to the creamy pasta. You can also offer extra grated cheese at the table.
how to store Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
Cool the pasta to room temperature before storing. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
tips to make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
- Cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Use low heat when adding cream cheese to avoid lumps.
- If the sauce is too thick after cooling, add a little milk or pasta water to reach the right texture.
- For extra flavor, brown the chicken a bit more before adding the cream cheese.
For another baked chicken idea with cheese, see this baked chicken parmesan for tips you can adapt.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables: stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach for color and nutrients.
- Swap cheese: use fontina or cheddar instead of mozzarella for a different taste.
- Make it spicy: add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the cream cheese.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Penne, shells, or rotini work well. Cook time for pasta stays the same.
Q: Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless skinless thighs add more flavor and stay moist. Cut them into similar-size pieces.
Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of liquid.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: You can try dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based mozzarella, but the texture will change.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties dish is creamy, simple, and quick to make. For a similar creamy bowtie recipe with mozzarella and garlic, you can read Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream. For another garlic butter chicken recipe that uses mozzarella and bakes in the oven, see Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella Recipe.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, flavorful dish combining bowtie pasta, chicken, and a garlic butter cream sauce that’s easy to make in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and add to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and shredded mozzarella, stirring until everything is well coated and the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, brown the chicken a bit more before adding the cream cheese. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: garlic chicken, creamy pasta, easy dinner, one skillet meal, bowtie pasta