Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

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 for a family gathering, and everyone loved the creamy sauce and gooey melted cheese on top. It quickly became a favorite comfort food in my home.

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 & 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Prepare 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. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, mixing until smooth.

Combine Ingredients:

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 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 and Serve:

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Save

We always gather around the table for this pasta dish, laughing and passing extra Parmesan cheese. Even picky eaters ask for seconds, making family dinner a special occasion.

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife and cutting board.

Allergen Information

Contains milk (butter, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella), wheat (pasta). May contain egg if using egg pasta. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 620 calories, 27 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 41 g protein.

Save

This meal comes together in just 40 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality comfort at home. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQ Section

→ What pasta is best for this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal for its shape and texture, holding the sauce well and complementing the chicken.

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat until just golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking which can make them dry.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, using half-and-half will lighten the sauce while maintaining creaminess, though the richness will be slightly reduced.

→ What is the role of reserved pasta water in the sauce?

Adding reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to better coat the pasta, enhancing texture and flavor binding.

→ How is the garlic flavor incorporated effectively?

Minced garlic is sautéed briefly in butter to release aroma and flavor before adding liquids, ensuring it remains fragrant and not bitter.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions for extra flavor and nutrition without overpowering the core taste.