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 dinner when we were craving something cozy yet easy to put together. It quickly became a favorite at our table, especially on busy weeknights when everyone wants something filling but still special.

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

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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Cook Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.

Season Chicken:

Toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.

Sauté Chicken:

Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce:

Add remaining 3 tbsp butter to the skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Deglaze Skillet:

Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and scrape up browned bits from base of pan.

Add Cream and Parmesan:

Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.

Combine Pasta & Chicken:

Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water to loosen sauce as desired.

Melt Mozzarella:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, cover the skillet, and let sit for 2 minutes until cheese has melted.

Garnish & Serve:

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

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This dish brings everyone together: my kids love twirling the bowties with melted cheese, and it is always a hit when we gather for Sunday dinners.

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) and wheat (pasta). May contain egg if egg pasta is used. Always read product labels for possible allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 620, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 41 g per serving

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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Enjoy your Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties straight from the pan for the best taste and texture. A simple sprinkle of parsley and Parmesan makes it irresistibly delicious.

Recipe FAQs

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal as its shape holds the sauce well, but other short pasta like penne or rotini can be used.

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and cooking over medium-high heat until golden helps keep it juicy and tender.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.

→ How do I get the mozzarella to melt evenly?

Covering the skillet after sprinkling mozzarella allows the cheese to melt gently and evenly over the pasta and chicken.

→ What herbs complement this dish well?

Dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil work beautifully, while fresh parsley adds a bright garnish.