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 busy family dinner and everyone loved how the rich sauce clings to the pasta and combines perfectly with gooey melted cheese.

Ingredients

• Bowtie pasta: 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (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)
• 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, 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.

Start sauce base:

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.

Add broth:

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Add cream and Parmesan:

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, mixing until smooth.

Combine chicken and pasta:

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

My family likes to gather around the table for this dish, sharing stories while everyone reaches for another cheesy serving straight from the pan.

Serving Suggestions

This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of light white wine such as Pinot Grigio.

Variations

Make it lighter by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream or add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Required Tools

You will need a large pot, a large skillet with lid, a strainer, a wooden spoon or spatula, and a chefs knife with cutting board.

Save

This creamy chicken pasta is sure to become a new comfort food favorite. Serve it hot and garnish with plenty of fresh parsley for a burst of color.

Kitchen Guide

→ How should the chicken be prepared for this dish?

Cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs before sautéing until golden and cooked through.

→ What is the best way to cook the pasta?

Boil in salted water until al dente, then drain while reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

→ How is the garlic butter sauce made?

Butter and minced garlic are sautéed until fragrant, then combined with chicken broth, cream, and grated Parmesan for a smooth, rich sauce.

→ When is the mozzarella added to the dish?

Sprinkled over the combined pasta and chicken, then covered and allowed to melt for 2–3 minutes before serving.

→ Can this dish be customized with additional ingredients?

Yes, adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can enhance flavor and nutrition without overpowering the core elements.