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 dish after a busy week when my family craved something cozy but quick at dinnertime. It instantly became a favorite for its cheesy goodness and stress-free prep.

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.

Sear 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 Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Deglaze & Add Dairy:

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

Combine Chicken & Pasta:

Return cooked chicken to the skillet then add 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 2–3 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Finish & Serve:

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

Save

Whenever we serve this at get-togethers everyone asks for seconds. It's easy enough for weeknight dinners but delicious enough to impress on special occasions.

Required Tools

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

Notes

For a lighter version substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Pairs well with a crisp green salad and a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio.

Nutritional Information

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

Save

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties will satisfy everyone at the table. Clean up is simple and every bite is rich and comforting!

Recipe Help & Answers

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well and adds texture to the dish.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, mild cheeses like provolone or fontina can be used for a similar melted texture and flavor.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cook the chicken over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through; avoid overcooking by monitoring closely.

→ Is there a way to lighten the sauce?

Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream reduces richness while maintaining creaminess in the sauce.

→ What herbs complement this dish well?

Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and fresh parsley enhance the flavor without overpowering the garlic butter sauce.

→ Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but the components can be cooked and combined just before serving for optimal texture and taste.