Save Tender chicken and bowtie pasta are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful dish. This Italian-American main is quick to prepare, delicious, and family-friendly.
I first made this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties on a weeknight when everyone was craving something cozy and cheesy. The whole family loved how the flavors mingled and requested it again the next week!
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.
- Sauté Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5&7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Start Sauce:
- 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.
- Add Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add Dairy:
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, mixing until smooth.
- Combine & Toss:
- 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.
- Melt Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and cover the skillet. Let it sit for 2&3 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Save Sharing this creamy pasta at the dinner table always brings everyone together. It's one of those recipes that gets everyone reaching for seconds and chatting about their favorite pasta dishes.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet with lid Strainer Wooden spoon or spatula Chefs knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately: Calories: 620 Total Fat: 27 g Carbohydrates: 54 g Protein: 41 g
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a glass of light white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Save This cozy pasta is perfect for busy nights and special occasions. With each bite, you'll enjoy creamy, garlicky goodness and plenty of melty cheese.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I prevent chicken from drying out?
Cook chicken over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, avoiding overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work well, as they hold the garlic butter sauce nicely similar to bowtie pasta.
- → What is the best way to melt the mozzarella evenly?
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta and cover the skillet to allow gentle steam heat to melt the cheese evenly within 2–3 minutes.
- → Can I substitute heavy cream with something else?
Half-and-half can be used for a lighter but still creamy sauce, though the sauce will be less rich.
- → How can I add more flavor to this dish?
Adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes introduces extra depth and a burst of flavor that complements the garlic butter and cheese.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling better to the pasta and chicken for a cohesive texture.