Fast Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta

You know those nights when dinner feels like a marathon? Well, I used to think weeknight dinners had to be complicated, but this Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta completely changed my mind! It’s this incredible mix of tender chicken, a gooey, garlicky, cheesy sauce, and fun bowtie pasta that just screams comfort. Seriously, it’s my go-to for those evenings when I need something delicious and satisfying on the table fast, without all the fuss. It’s the perfect example of how you can have a totally crave-worthy, comforting meal ready in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta

• It’s lightning fast – a complete dinner on the table in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
• Seriously easy prep means less stress and more time enjoying your evening.
• Get ready for that irresistible combo of garlic, butter, creamy cheese, and tender chicken.
• It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for picky eaters and busy families alike.

Ingredients for Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta

Okay, so here’s the magic list! I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook up so nicely. And trust me on the freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella – it makes *all* the difference in getting that super smooth, cheesy sauce. Don’t skimp on the garlic, or the red pepper flakes if you like a tiny bit of a kick!

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love ’em!)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (again, shred your own if you can!)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for a pop of color and freshness

Simple Steps to Make Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta

I recommend getting your potatoes in the oven first since they take the longest. This way everything finishes around the same time and you’re not standing around waiting.

Step 1: First things first, get your pasta water boiling! You want a big pot of generously salted water to cook your bowtie pasta until it’s just right – you know, al dente. Follow the package directions, and then drain it. Keep that pasta handy, we’ll need it soon!

Step 2: Now let’s talk chicken. Grab those bite-sized cubes and give ’em a good sprinkle of Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and those little red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit bold. This is where the flavor really starts to build.

Step 3: Heat up your largest skillet with the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot before you add the chicken. Once it’s sizzling, toss in the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, giving it an occasional stir, until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through. Remember, the internal temperature should hit 165°F. Once it’s done, scoop the chicken out and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet your chicken was in – don’t wipe it out, all those tasty bits are flavor gold! Once the butter is melted, toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing, but watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken up just a touch, which is exactly what we want for our creamy sauce. I find that using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a noticeable difference in the sauce’s creaminess, so stir that in next until it’s all melted and smooth.

Step 6: Now, bring that cooked chicken back into the skillet. Give it a good toss to coat every piece in that glorious garlic butter sauce. Then, add your cooked bowtie pasta right into the mix. Stir gently until the pasta is completely coated in the sauce. Oh, and if you want to try a different kind of pasta, you can check out this recipe for inspiration on swaps!

Step 7: Finally, sprinkle that shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and chicken. Pop a lid on your skillet for about 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough for that cheese to get all melty and gooey. Garnish with the fresh parsley right before serving. Dig in while it’s hot and deliciously cheesy!

What to Serve with Your Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta

This pasta is pretty darn hearty on its own, but a few things can make it even better! I love pairing it with a simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette; the bright, zesty dressing cuts through the richness of the cheesy sauce so nicely. Or, if you’re feeling extra hungry, some warm, crusty Garlic Bread is just divine for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed or roasted Asparagus is fantastic. And if you loved the idea of fresh toppings, check out this amazing Grilled Peach Burrata Salad – its sweetness and creaminess would be a surprising but delicious match!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta is pretty forgiving. Store any extra Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I’ve found the stovetop works best for keeping that creamy texture. Just pop it into a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a real rush, the microwave is okay, but give it a stir halfway so it heats evenly and doesn’t get tough. For meal prep, portioning it out into individual containers makes grabbing a quick lunch or dinner a breeze!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta

Can I make this Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this vegetarian, just skip the chicken. You can easily add in some extra veggies like broccoli florets, mushrooms, or bell peppers when you add the garlic in Step 5. Sauté them a bit before adding the liquids for the best flavor.

What kind of chicken works best if I don’t have chicken breast?

If chicken breast isn’t your favorite, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute! They tend to stay even more moist and tender, and they’ll cook up beautifully in about the same amount of time. Just cube ’em up and follow the same steps. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken in a pinch – just add it at the end to heat through with the pasta and sauce.

How can I make this pasta dish a little healthier?

That’s a great question! For a lighter version of this delicious bowtie pasta, try using whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. You can also swap out some of the heavy cream for half-and-half or even some low-sodium chicken broth, though it might not be quite as rich. Loading it up with extra veggies, like spinach or zucchini noodles mixed in, is another awesome way to boost the nutrition! If you’re looking for other healthy recipes, check out this lemon drizzle cake for simple, wholesome baking inspiration.

Before You Go

Seriously, give this Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties Pasta a whirl next time you need a quick and comforting meal. I just know you’ll love it! Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you, or if you added any fun twists!

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