Save 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 for a weeknight dinner when craving something cheesy yet easy with ingredients on hand. The bowties are such a fun shape and soak up all the delicious sauce, making this recipe a repeater in our home.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: 12 oz (340 g) farfalle
- Chicken breast: 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless, 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
- 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
- Extra Parmesan cheese: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) pasta water.
- Season chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper and Italian herbs.
- Cook chicken:
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare sauce base:
- In same skillet over medium heat, melt remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broth and cream:
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to simmer scraping bits from pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine chicken and pasta:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet. Add drained pasta, tossing together, use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce.
- Melt mozzarella:
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover, let sit 2 minutes until melted.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Save My kids love twirling their bowties and asking for extra cheese on top. This is always a fun and tasty way to bring everyone to the table at dinnertime.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife and cutting board all help this recipe come together smoothly.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates and 41 g protein.
Notes
Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for tasty variation. This dish pairs nicely with a crisp salad and Pinot Grigio.
Save This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties is creamy, cheesy and sure to become part of your comfort food rotation.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, substitute bowties with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you prefer for similar results.
- → Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter for fewer calories.
- → How do I ensure chicken stays tender?
Cook chicken just until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender.
- → What vegetables pair well in this dish?
Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli are delicious additions for extra color and nutrition.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can cook components ahead, but combine and add mozzarella just before serving for best texture.
- → What is the best cheese alternative if I can't use mozzarella?
Try provolone or mild cheddar for a creamy, melty finish. Parmesan alone also works well.