Pin It Tender chicken and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful dish.
I remember making this for a weeknight dinner, expecting leftovers. Instead, everyone kept coming back for seconds because the melted mozzarella and buttery garlic flavor made it irresistible. It has since become a regular rotation meal in our household.
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 (garnish)
Instructions
- Boil 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 butter. Add chicken and cook for 5 & 7 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 remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from pan.
- Finish Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, mixing until smooth.
- Combine:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet, add drained pasta, toss together, and use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Add Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over pasta, cover skillet, and let sit 2 & 3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley, serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Pin It One evening, my kids gathered around the stovetop waiting for dinner to finish. When I finally brought the skillet to the table, everyone dug in right away and kept complimenting the gooey cheese and savory sauce. It is always a meal that brings us together.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk and wheat; may contain egg if using egg pasta. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 41 g protein
Pin It This dish is a comforting weeknight winner. The creamy mozzarella and garlic sauce bring everything together for a meal you will want to make again and again.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best with this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta holds the sauce well, offering a pleasant texture and shape that complements the chicken and cheese.
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through to prevent drying out while maintaining tenderness.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for the sauce?
Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, and additional herbs or spinach can enhance flavor.
- → What is the best way to melt mozzarella cheese evenly?
Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes after sprinkling mozzarella on top, allowing it to melt evenly with residual heat.
- → How should I adjust seasoning before serving?
Finish by seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for brightness.