Save 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
- 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 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.