Introduction (Short)
This rich and comforting dish combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a luscious mozzarella cream sauce infused with garlic and Cajun spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your table.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
1 pound bowtie pasta
1.5 pounds boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, about eight minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then whisk in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Let the mixture gently simmer to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in three-quarters of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and velvety with no lumps. Add the cooked pasta, tossing until every bowtie is coated in the cheesy sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for two to three minutes until the cheese melts. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix lightly to coat in the sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.
How to Make (Summary)
The process is simple: cook the pasta, sauté the seasoned chicken, create a rich garlic butter cream sauce, then toss everything together. The final touch of melted mozzarella on top makes it irresistibly cheesy and satisfying.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
Different Proteins: Substitute shrimp or grilled sausage instead of chicken for a new flavor twist.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter meal.
Tips
For best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta — it should remain slightly firm before tossing in the sauce.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce (pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy).
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
Let the cream cheese soften fully before mixing to prevent lumps.
serve immediately — creamy pasta dishes are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Conclusion (Short)
Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Cheesy Mozzarella Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to impress guests.