Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Parmesan Sauce: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something indulgent yet simple to whip up—that’s exactly where this Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Parmesan Sauce shines as the ultimate comfort food. Picture tender chicken enveloped in an extra creamy parmesan sauce, infused with rich garlic butter and melted mozzarella that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. This recipe, from lalytarecipes.com, solves the common dilemma of creating a restaurant-quality meal at home without fuss, delivering bold flavors in just 35 minutes. As the go-to guide for garlic butter chicken enthusiasts, we’ll walk you through every detail to ensure your version is flawless and unforgettable.

The allure of this Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Parmesan Sauce lies in its sensory symphony. Each forkful offers a perfect blend of al dente bowtie pasta coated in a velvety, extra creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every piece. The garlic butter adds a fragrant, savory punch that awakens your taste buds, while the melted mozzarella creates gooey strings of cheese that enhance the dish’s comforting appeal. Fresh spinach introduces a subtle earthiness and vibrant color, balancing the richness with a touch of lightness, making this Italian-American favorite not just a meal, but an experience that tantalizes your senses from the first simmer to the last savory bite.

What sets this Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Parmesan Sauce recipe apart on lalytarecipes.com is our commitment to perfection, crafted by Chef Lalyta and tested relentlessly for foolproof results. You’ll discover insider tips, like the “Chef’s Secret” for achieving that extra creamy texture that elevates ordinary pasta to extraordinary. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned home cook, this comprehensive guide will boost your confidence, covering everything from ingredient choices to storage hacks, ensuring you master this creamy chicken pasta dish with ease and impress your family every time.

Why This Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: The true magic of this recipe lies in its extra creamy parmesan sauce, achieved by carefully simmering heavy cream with butter and cheeses to create a luscious, velvety base that coats every ingredient perfectly. This technique, inspired by Italian-American traditions, ensures the garlic butter chicken and bowtie pasta are infused with unparalleled richness, setting it apart from standard pasta dishes. By browning the butter just slightly before adding garlic, we unlock deeper, nuttier flavors that elevate the overall taste, making this a standout easy pasta recipe for weeknights or special occasions.

Unbeatable Texture: The extra creamy consistency comes from the emulsion of high-fat heavy cream and cheeses, which stabilizes the sauce and prevents separation. Scientifically, the fats in the butter and cream bind with the proteins in the Parmesan, creating a smooth, glossy finish that clings to the bowtie pasta without becoming greasy—thanks to the controlled heat during simmering, which maintains the sauce’s integrity for that perfect, comforting bite.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been meticulously tested multiple times in our kitchen to guarantee success, even for beginners. With straightforward steps and precise measurements, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like overcooking the chicken, ensuring juicy results every time, making it the most reliable resource for creamy chicken pasta on the web.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference in Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Parmesan Sauce

For the chicken breasts: These provide the hearty protein base, ensuring the dish is satisfying and filling. Opt for fresh, organic chicken to avoid additives that could affect texture; quality matters because it sears evenly for a golden exterior while staying tender inside. If unavailable, substitute with turkey breast for a leaner option, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.

Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, it adds a subtle fruity note and helps achieve that perfect golden crust. Choose extra-virgin olive oil for its superior flavor and health benefits; it withstands medium heat without breaking down. A good substitution is avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and maintains the dish’s Mediterranean essence without altering the garlic butter chicken profile.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce. Use fine sea salt for even distribution and freshly ground black pepper for a sharper kick; quality fresh spices prevent blandness. If watching sodium, swap salt with herbs like rosemary, but be mindful it might slightly change the classic Italian-American taste.

Butter: The backbone of the extra creamy sauce, it infuses richness and depth when melted with garlic. High-quality unsalted butter allows better flavor control; its fats emulsify with cream for that signature creaminess. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter, ensuring it has a similar fat content to maintain the garlic butter chicken’s indulgent texture.

Garlic cloves: They deliver the aromatic punch that defines this recipe, adding a warm, pungent flavor to the sauce. Fresh garlic ensures maximum taste; avoid pre-minced for its potency. Substitute with garlic powder in a pinch, but use half the amount to prevent overwhelming the extra creamy parmesan sauce.

Heavy cream: This creates the luxurious, extra creamy base that ties everything together, providing a silky mouthfeel. Full-fat cream is key for richness and stability; choose organic for fewer additives. A low-carb alternative is coconut cream, which adds a subtle tropical note while keeping the sauce velvety for garlic butter chicken bowties.

Grated Parmesan cheese: It adds sharp, nutty depth to the sauce, melting smoothly for that cheesy goodness. Freshly grated cheese melts better and avoids additives; quality impacts the flavor intensity. Swap with Pecorino Romano for a tangier twist, ensuring it’s aged for similar melting properties in this creamy chicken pasta.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides the gooey, stretchy element that makes this dish irresistible. Whole milk mozzarella ensures optimal melt; choose low-moisture for the sauce’s consistency. As a substitute, try provolone for a milder cheese pull, maintaining the extra creamy profile without sacrificing the mozzarella’s signature stretch.

Bowtie pasta: Its fun shape holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful. Al dente pasta from durum wheat offers the best texture; quality affects cooking time and sauce adhesion. Use penne as a substitute if bowties are unavailable, as it captures the sauce similarly in this easy pasta recipe.

Fresh spinach: Adds nutrition and a pop of color, balancing the richness with its earthy taste. Fresh leaves wilt perfectly without sogginess; choose organic for pesticide-free greens. Kale can replace it for a heartier green, but blanch it first to avoid toughness in the extra creamy parmesan sauce.

Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs brings authentic flavor, enhancing the overall Italian-American vibe. A high-quality mix ensures balanced herbs; make your own with oregano, basil, and thyme for freshness. Substitute with fresh herbs if available, chopping finely to infuse the garlic butter chicken with vibrant notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Cooking the Bowtie Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Pro Tip: Salt the water generously—it acts as the primary seasoning for the pasta, enhancing the overall flavor of your garlic butter chicken bowties without making the dish overly salty.

Step 2: Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Season the 1 lb of sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until it’s golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of searing; cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken gets that desirable crispy exterior for your creamy chicken pasta.

Step 3: Infusing the Garlic Butter

Using the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and just starts to golden—this prevents it from burning and turning bitter.

Pro Tip: Fresh garlic releases its oils quickly, so keep a close eye to capture that perfect aroma, which is key to the extra creamy parmesan sauce’s depth in this garlic butter chicken recipe.

Step 4: Creating the Extra Creamy Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheeses, whisking continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. This step builds the extra creamy texture that defines the dish.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Adding the cheese too quickly can cause it to clump; add it slowly while stirring to achieve a homogenous, silky sauce for your Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties.

Step 5: Combining All Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta, 2 cups of fresh spinach, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Toss everything together in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the ingredients are heated through evenly.

Pro Tip: The reserved pasta water can thin out the sauce if it thickens too much, ensuring your extra creamy parmesan sauce coats every piece perfectly in this easy pasta recipe.

Step 6: Serving the Dish

Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan if desired, allowing the flavors to meld for the best experience.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Letting the dish sit too long before serving can make the pasta stick together; serve hot to preserve the gooey cheese and fresh textures.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Parmesan Sauce, plate it in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the spinach against the creamy sauce. Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top for a pop of green and added freshness, enhancing the Italian-American appeal. Pair this extra creamy garlic butter chicken dish with a crisp garlic bread or a light salad to balance the richness, making it a complete meal that’s perfect for family dinners or date nights.

Complement this recipe with sides like roasted vegetables for a nutritious twist or a glass of white wine to elevate the flavors. For creative plating, swirl the sauce artistically and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, turning this creamy chicken pasta into a visually stunning centerpiece.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance by cooking the chicken and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Chop garlic and measure out cheeses the night before to save time, but cook the pasta fresh on the day of serving to maintain its al dente texture in this garlic butter chicken bowties recipe.

Storing Leftovers: Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; for longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month to preserve the extra creamy quality. Ensure the dish cools completely before storing to avoid condensation that could make the pasta mushy.

The Best Way to Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the original extra creamy parmesan sauce consistency, stirring frequently. In the microwave, cover and heat in 30-second intervals, but avoid overheating to keep the mozzarella from becoming rubbery in your creamy chicken pasta.

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Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Parmesan Sauce

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• Author: Chef Lalyta
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

A creamy parmesan sauce coats tender chicken and bowtie pasta, infused with garlic butter and melted mozzarella for a cheesy, comforting meal.

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Ingredients

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• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, spinach, and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Toss to combine and heat through.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 40g