Save to Pinterest Tender chicken and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful dish.
I first made this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite for its creamy sauce and satisfying texture. The combination of buttery garlic, juicy chicken, and gooey mozzarella really brings comfort to the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: 12 oz (340 g) farfalle pasta
- Chicken breast: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Dried Italian herbs: 1/2 tsp (oregano, basil, or mixed)
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (60 g)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g), grated
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g), shredded
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Extra Parmesan cheese: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Cook 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 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 chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make garlic butter base:
- In same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broth and cream:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan; mix until smooth.
- Combine pasta and chicken:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet, add drained pasta, and toss. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Top and melt cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Cover skillet and let sit for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the table for this pasta: each bite reminds us of cozy home evenings and laughter over cheesy goodness.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, and chefs knife with cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk (butter, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella) and wheat (pasta). May contain egg if using egg pasta; always check product labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 41 g
Save to Pinterest Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy it freshly made for best taste. Leftovers can be reheated gently in a skillet the next day.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Sauté chicken over medium-high heat until just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rotini, or ziti work well. Adjust cooking time as needed for different pasta types.
- → Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter sauce, though the sauce may be less rich.
- → What vegetables pair well in this dish?
Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms make great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → How can I make it gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free bowtie pasta to enjoy this dish while avoiding wheat.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a touch of black pepper give a vibrant finishing touch.