Save Tender chicken and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful dish.
The first time I made this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties my family couldn’t stop raving about the cheesy gooey topping. It’s become our go-to recipe whenever we crave something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: 12 oz (340 g)
- Boneless skinless 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) divided
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g) grated
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g) shredded
- 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 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) pasta water.
- Season Chicken:
- Season chicken 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 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add Cream & Parmesan:
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan mixing until smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet. Add drained pasta. Toss together adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Add Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over pasta. Cover skillet and let sit for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Save My kids love getting involved by sprinkling the cheese over the pasta and watching it melt into gooey deliciousness right at the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a light white wine. For extra veggies stir in sautéed spinach or sun dried tomatoes before adding the cheese.
Allergen Information
This dish contains milk (butter cream Parmesan mozzarella) and wheat (pasta). May contain traces of egg if using egg pasta. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutrition
Per serving: 620 calories 27 g fat 54 g carbohydrates 41 g protein.
Save Your family will love this quick cheesy pasta dinner. Enjoy the irresistible combination of melty mozzarella and buttery garlic sauce tonight.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How do you cook the chicken for best flavor?
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, then sauté in butter until golden and cooked through, preserving moisture and flavor.
- → What pasta is used in this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is cooked until al dente to provide a perfect texture that holds the rich garlic butter sauce well.
- → Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, using half-and-half creates a lighter sauce with slightly less richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → How is the sauce made creamy and flavorful?
Butter, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan combine to create a smooth, savory sauce that envelops the chicken and pasta.
- → What gives this dish its melted cheesy topping?
Shredded mozzarella is sprinkled over the assembled dish and covered to melt, adding a gooey, flavorful layer on top.
- → Any tips for enhancing this dish’s flavor?
Adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can enrich flavors and add nutrition. Fresh parsley garnish brightens the dish.