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 Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties for a family dinner and it quickly became everyone&s favorite request. The easy technique lets the bold flavors shine and the melted cheese brings it all together for a truly comforting meal.

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:

Boil bowtie pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) pasta water.

Season Chicken:

Toss chicken pieces with salt, black pepper and Italian herbs.

Cook Chicken:

Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Make Sauce Base:

Add remaining 3 tbsp butter to skillet on medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Simmer Broth:

Pour in chicken broth and bring to simmer, scraping pan bits.

Finish Sauce:

Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth.

Combine:

Return chicken to skillet, add pasta. Toss, adding reserved water as needed to loosen sauce.

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over pasta, cover skillet. Let sit for 2 minutes until melted.

Garnish & Serve:

Top with parsley, serve with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Save

This dish is a favorite for our family gatherings, often sparking requests for seconds and big smiles around the table.

Required Tools

Large pot, strainer, a deep skillet with lid, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife and a sturdy cutting board are all you need to prepare this dish comfortably.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains milk and wheat, and may contain egg if using egg-based pasta. Always check ingredient labels if serving to those with allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has about 620 calories, 27 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 41 g protein.

Save

Serve hot with a simple salad for a well-rounded dinner. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can even be enjoyed cold for lunch the next day.

Recipe FAQ

→ What pasta works best with this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal due to its shape and ability to hold the creamy garlic butter sauce well.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking to keep them tender.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients to lighten the dish?

Yes, substituting half-and-half for heavy cream reduces richness while maintaining creaminess.

→ What is the best way to melt the mozzarella evenly?

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta in the skillet and cover it for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts evenly.

→ How can I add more flavor or nutrition?

Incorporate sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to boost flavor and nutritional value.