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.

When I first cooked this for a family weeknight dinner everyone loved how the mozzarella melted into the bowties making it especially cozy. The garlic butter is always a crowd pleaser in our house.

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, for garnish

Instructions

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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 & Cook Chicken:

Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add the 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 and add the remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan mixing until smooth.

Combine & Finish:

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. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and cover the skillet. Let it sit for 2 minutes or until the cheese melts. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

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This is now a favorite for Sunday suppers with my kids. Sometimes they help sprinkle the mozzarella on top and everyone crowds around the skillet when it's time to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this pasta with a crisp green salad and a glass of light white wine. Garlic bread on the side makes it a feast.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Calories 620 Protein 41 g Total fat 27 g Carbohydrates 54 g per serving.

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Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

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Serve right from the skillet and enjoy the stretch of gooey mozzarella in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the best pasta type for this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal due to its shape, which holds the creamy garlic butter sauce well.

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through helps retain its juiciness and tenderness.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients for the sauce?

For a lighter sauce, half-and-half can replace heavy cream without compromising flavor.

→ How do I melt the mozzarella evenly?

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta, then cover the skillet and let it sit 2–3 minutes off heat to melt gently.

→ What herbs complement this dish?

Dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil enhance flavor, while fresh parsley adds a bright finish.

→ Can I add vegetables for more nutrition?

Sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes are great options to incorporate additional flavor and nutrients.