Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

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 cold evening when my family was craving something cozy and hearty. It quickly became one of our favorite pasta dinners because of its creamy sauce and gooey cheese.

Ingredients

• Bowtie pasta: 12 oz (340 g) farfalle pasta
• Chicken breast: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, 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), divided
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml), low-sodium
• 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, for serving
• Extra Parmesan cheese: for garnish

Instructions

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate meals quickly for crispy snacks and easy weeknight dinners.

Check price on Amazon

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.

Sauté Garlic:

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.

Deglaze and Simmer:

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Make Cream Sauce:

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan mixing until smooth.

Combine and Toss:

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 – 3 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Garnish and Serve:

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

Save

This meal is always a hit at our dinner table especially when everyone gathers around on a chilly Sunday evening. My kids love helping sprinkle the mozzarella on top before it melts into the pasta.

Make It Your Own

Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and a boost of nutrition or swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio. Warm garlic bread also makes a perfect side.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop adding a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce if needed.

Save

Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.

Check price on Amazon

Enjoy this filling cheesy chicken pasta for a comforting meal that comes together in just about 40 minutes. It is sure to become a family favorite!

Kitchen Guide

→ Can I substitute another type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well with this rich butter sauce and chicken.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted for a lighter sauce, though it may be slightly less creamy.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta varieties and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

→ What vegetables pair well in this dish?

Try adding sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ Is there a recommended wine pairing?

A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy sauce and mozzarella nicely.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to restore sauce consistency.