Save to Pinterest 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 when looking for a quick dinner that felt like something special. The gooey cheese and tender chicken made everyone reach for seconds!
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 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter 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 and Cream:
- 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 Pasta and Chicken:
- 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 Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and cover the skillet. Let it sit for 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping sprinkle the cheese over the hot pasta right before serving. Sharing a meal like this brings us together at the end of a busy day.
Variations
Try adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Use grilled chicken instead for a smoky twist.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 620 calories, 27 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 41 g protein, making it a satisfying meal for dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of garlic bread and a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for bright color.
Save to Pinterest This mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties recipe always disappears fast at our table. Try it on a busy weeknight and enjoy comfort food made easy!
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta is best for this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal for holding the creamy garlic butter sauce and blending well with the chicken and cheese.
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until golden and just cooked through, avoiding overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- → Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich and creamy.
- → How do I get the mozzarella to melt perfectly?
After assembling, cover the skillet and let it sit off heat for a few minutes to allow the mozzarella to melt evenly without burning.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
A blend of dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil complements the garlic butter and cheese flavors well.