If you’re searching for a way to bring a smile to your family’s faces at dinner time, look no further than this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight. This recipe not only delivers a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful meal but also comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients for Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight
This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight is a culinary hug in a bowl. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a rich, garlicky, and cheesy cream sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach; you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Expect this delightful meal to be ready in approximately 30-35 minutes from start to finish, proving that delicious can definitely be fast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will be your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Create the Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Melt the Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering cream sauce, stirring constantly until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If using, stir in the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Then, add the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the cheesy cream sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
Season and Serve: Taste the Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight
You’ll fall head over heels for this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight because it delivers pure indulgence and comfort without the fuss. The star feature, of course, is the luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce infused with golden butter and pungent garlic, perfectly clinging to every bite of tender chicken and al dente pasta. This dish is a fantastic cost-saver compared to dining out, offering a hearty, satisfying meal that feels incredibly gourmet for a fraction of the price. The combination of melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Forget complicated sauces and long cooking times; this recipe celebrates simplicity and flavor. It’s a comforting alternative to a classic Chicken Alfredo, offering a lighter yet still incredibly decadent experience. The straightforward steps mean you can transform your weeknight dinners into something special, fostering those cherished family moments around the table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up this delightful Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight is quite straightforward, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness for a few days.
Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce helps keep the pasta and chicken moist, but it’s always best to consume them within this timeframe for optimal taste and safety.
Reheating on the Stovetop: This is often the best method for retaining the sauce’s creamy texture. Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or a tablespoon of water to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through. Be patient and avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.
Reheating in the Microwave: For a quicker option, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely to prevent splattering. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Again, lower power and gentle stirring are key to preserving the sauce’s consistency.
Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen for future convenience. Allow the dish to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight will keep for up to 1-2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the stovetop or microwave reheating instructions. Keep in mind that reheating from frozen might require a little more liquid to re-establish the sauce’s creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight is the ultimate weeknight warrior, proving that delicious, comforting meals don’t need to be complicated. Give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed by the simple yet incredibly satisfying flavors it brings to your table. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will be your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Drain the pasta and set aside.12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering cream sauce, stirring constantly until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If using, stir in the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Then, add the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the cheesy cream sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Taste the Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties In Cheesy Cream Delight and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!Salt and black pepper to taste, Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish