Creamy • Comforting • Flavor-Packed • Family-Friendly
Quick Description
A rich, creamy bowtie pasta tossed in a silky mozzarella garlic cream sauce and topped with perfectly seared, buttery garlic chicken. Comfort food at its best — ultra flavorful, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Protein: ~35–40g per serving (depends on chicken amount)
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Mozzarella Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon parsley
For the Pasta
- 10–12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Salted boiling water
Optional Add-Ins (for extra flavor & balance)
- Spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Red chili flakes
- Broccoli florets
- Lemon zest
Instructions
1. Cook the bowtie pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Drain and set aside (save ½ cup pasta water).
2. Season & cook the chicken
In a skillet, heat butter + olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with:
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Sear until golden, crispy on the edges, and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the mozzarella cream sauce
In the same skillet:
- Add 2 tbsp butter
- Add minced garlic
Sauté until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, stir gently, and bring to a light simmer.
Add mozzarella + parmesan and whisk until creamy and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
4. Combine pasta + sauce
Add cooked bowtie pasta directly into the sauce.
Toss until fully coated.
Use pasta water if you need to thin the sauce.
5. Top with chicken
Place the golden garlic butter chicken on top.
Toss lightly or serve as layered.
6. Serve hot
Finish with extra parsley, parmesan, or chili flakes.
Storage & Meal Prep
Fridge:
Lasts 3–4 days in airtight containers.
Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Freezer:
Freezes well for 1–2 months (sauce may slightly thicken).
Make It High-Protein
Boost the protein easily:
✔ Add extra chicken
✔ Mix ½ cup cottage cheese into the sauce (blends smooth)
✔ Use high-protein pasta
✔ Add parmesan for extra protein
✔ Serve with a side of roasted chicken
Flavor Upgrade Tips
- Add lemon juice to brighten the sauce
- Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor
- Add sautéed mushrooms
- Stir in spinach for color and nutrients
- Add a spoon of pesto
- Replace mozzarella with provolone for a smoky twist
