Save Pin 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 night when I wanted something cozy yet simple. The way the mozzarella melts into the garlicky sauce always makes everyone at my table ask for seconds!
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: 12 oz (340 g)
- Boneless chicken breast: 1 lb (450 g) 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)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped plus more for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Extra Parmesan cheese: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) 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 butter. Add chicken and cook for 5 until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté garlic:
- In the same skillet reduce heat to medium and add remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add cream and Parmesan:
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan mixing until smooth.
- Combine:
- Return chicken to skillet then add drained pasta. Toss together adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Finish with mozzarella:
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over pasta and cover skillet. Let sit 2 or until cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Save Pin My kids love helping sprinkle the mozzarella and watching it melt all bubbly and gooey over the pasta before dinner time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and warm Italian bread. A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio pairs especially well with this creamy pasta.
Diet & Allergen Information
This dish contains milk (butter, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella) and wheat (pasta). Some pasta brands may include egg. For gluten-free use your favorite gluten-free bowties.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories 27 g fat 54 g carbs 41 g protein. Note values may vary based on specific brands and serving size.
Save Pin This cozy pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy every creamy garlicky bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best with this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal due to its shape that holds the rich garlic butter sauce well, but similar small pastas like rotini can also work.
- → Can I substitute mozzarella cheese?
Yes, semi-soft cheeses like fontina or provolone can be used for a similar melt and creamy texture.
- → How do I prevent chicken from drying out?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until golden and fully cooked, then remove promptly to retain moisture before adding back to the sauce.
- → Is it possible to lighten the sauce?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter but still creamy texture.
- → What herbs complement the garlic butter sauce?
Dried Italian herbs such as oregano and basil work well, alongside fresh parsley for garnish and brightness.