Pin 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 on a busy weeknight when I wanted something satisfying yet simple. The melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella and fragrant garlic-butter always bring everyone to the table.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: 12 oz (340 g), cooked al dente
- 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)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- 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
- 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:
- Combine chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
- Sear chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare sauce:
- Add remaining 3 tbsp butter to the skillet over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze pan:
- Add chicken broth, simmer, and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Finish sauce:
- Mix in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Combine:
- Return chicken to the pan, add drained pasta, and toss everything. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency as needed.
- Add mozzarella:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly, cover, and let melt for 2 minutes.
- Garnish:
- Finish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan and black pepper to serve.
Pin 
This pasta dish was an instant family hit during a rainy evening, and now the kids always request it for their birthdays.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon, 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 This mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties recipe is fantastic with a simple green salad. Enjoy each creamy, cheesy bite while it is hot.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best with this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal as it holds the creamy garlic butter sauce well and adds a nice texture contrast.
- → How do you ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through prevents dryness and keeps it tender.
- → Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes, cheeses like provolone or fontina can be used for a similar creamy melt, though mozzarella’s mild flavor balances the dish well.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, reserving some pasta water helps loosen the sauce and ensures it coats the pasta evenly without becoming too thick.
- → What herbs enhance this dish’s flavor?
Dried Italian herbs such as oregano and basil complement the garlic butter sauce and add an aromatic touch.