If comfort food had a face, it would probably look a lot like this dish: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cajun Mozzarella Cream. Imagine tender cubes of chicken sautéed to perfection, enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, laced with the comforting flavors of mozzarella and Parmesan, and tossed with al dente bowtie pasta. Every bite is indulgent, savory, and satisfying the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like a high-end Italian bistro.
The Cajun-inspired kick gives this creamy pasta a subtle heat that keeps your taste buds dancing without overpowering the cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner, date night at home, or a cozy weekend indulgence, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to make. With a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and a little bit spicy what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy – Mozzarella, Parmesan, and butter create a luscious sauce that clings to every bowtie pasta.
- Flavor-Packed – Garlic, Italian seasoning, and Cajun-inspired spices balance savory richness with subtle heat.
- Quick Weeknight-Friendly – Ready in about 30–40 minutes from start to finish.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests.
- Customizable – Easily swap chicken for shrimp, or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for variety.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) – perfectly shaped to hold onto creamy sauce.
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes – tender, juicy, and the star of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter – adds richness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic backbone of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – blend of herbs for an authentic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – mild heat and seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – adds subtle Cajun heat.
Creamy Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – gives the sauce its indulgent, silky texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – balances richness and helps thin the sauce slightly.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – nutty and sharp flavor that melts beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – gooey, melty indulgence that brings the dish together.
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – adds a pop of color and freshness.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bowtie Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken, sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Build the Garlic Butter Base
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Melt in the Cheeses
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and cheesy.
6. Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together.
- If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Finish and Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately for maximum cheesy, creamy enjoyment.
Tips & Variations
- Add Vegetables – Stir in sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or mushrooms for added color and nutrients.
- Seafood Swap – Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Extra Cajun Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Make it Lighter – Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use reduced-fat cheese.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Store chicken and pasta separately from sauce; reheat gently to prevent overcooking.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
This dish is creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and slightly spicy, making it comforting and indulgent. The Parmesan adds nuttiness, mozzarella brings gooey richness, and the Cajun-inspired seasoning gives just enough heat to make every bite exciting.
Drink Pairings:
- Crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon
- Light beer for a casual pairing
Side Suggestions:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted vegetables for balance
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~650
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
This dish is indulgent and high in protein, perfect for a hearty dinner. Adjust cheese and cream for lower-fat options.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Cook Pasta Ahead – Cook and store bowties separately; add to sauce when ready to serve.
- Store Sauce Separately – Keeps the cheese from clumping in the fridge.
- Reheating – Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs are juicier and work beautifully.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta. Ensure all seasonings and broths are GF.
3. Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prep chicken and sauce separately. Assemble just before serving for best texture.
4. Can I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
Step | Time Required |
---|---|
Boil pasta | 10–12 minutes |
Cook chicken | 5–6 minutes |
Prepare garlic butter sauce | 2 minutes |
Simmer cream & cheese | 4 minutes |
Combine pasta & chicken | 2 minutes |
Serve & garnish | 2 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
- Family Dinner – Serve in a large skillet at the table with extra Parmesan on the side.
- Date Night – Plate in individual bowls and garnish with parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Weeknight Comfort – Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp Bowties – Replace chicken with shrimp, use smoked paprika and extra red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable Bowtie Pasta – Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a veggie-forward version.
- Four-Cheese Bowties – Add fontina or gouda for an even richer cheesy experience.
Ingredient Spotlight: Garlic
Garlic is the heart of this dish, lending deep, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with butter and cheese. For best results, mince fresh cloves rather than using pre-minced jars. Store garlic in a cool, dry place for up to a month for maximum flavor.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Bloom spices in butter for enhanced flavor.
- Use low heat when melting cheeses to avoid clumping.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Fridge: Store chicken and pasta in airtight containers separately for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~650 |
Protein | 40 g |
Carbohydrates | 50 g |
Fat | 35 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free adaptable, high-protein, and can be made lighter with half-and-half or reduced-fat cheese.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cajun Mozzarella Cream is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and just a touch spicy, it’s a dish that makes weeknights feel special and weekends feel indulgent. With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home, sure to impress family, friends, or even just yourself.
Every forkful is a perfect combination of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta comfort and flavor in every bite.
PrintCheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cajun Mozzarella Cream
A rich and creamy chicken pasta dish made with garlic butter, melty mozzarella, Parmesan, and bowtie pasta. Quick, satisfying, and perfect for cozy weeknights.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté seasoned chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan and toss with the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and mix until well coated.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover, and let melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother sauce.
- Al dente pasta holds better texture in the sauce.
- Add pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Can substitute rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Skillet
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
- Diet: Low Lactose