Save Tender chicken and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful dish.
I remember the first time I made this for weeknight dinner and everyone asked for seconds. The cheesy top and fragrant garlic butter sauce make it a household favorite each time.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano basil or mixed)
- Sauce: 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic minced; 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- For Serving: Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
- Season Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Cook Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base:
- In the same skillet reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Finish Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan mixing until smooth.
- Combine:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and cover the skillet. Let it sit for 2 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Save My kids love helping sprinkle the mozzarella on top before it melts into gooey goodness. It connects us through the simple joy of kitchen time and comfort food.
Required Tools
Large pot large skillet with lid strainer wooden spoon or spatula chefs knife and cutting board are essential for success.
Notes
For a lighter version substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor. Try serving with a crisp green salad and light white wine.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has 620 calories 27 g total fat 54 g carbohydrates and 41 g protein making it filling for dinner.
Save Enjoy this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe for an easy crowd-pleaser. The combination of garlic butter sauce and melty cheese makes every bite irresistible.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta works perfectly as it holds sauce well and complements the chicken texture.
- → Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes, you can use fontina or provolone for a similar melty texture and mild flavor.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Cook chicken pieces until golden and just cooked through, usually 5–7 minutes, to keep them tender and juicy.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Fresh parsley garnish and optional sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach add a nice depth to the dish.
- → Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness without sacrificing creaminess.