Pin Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties combine tender, juicy chicken with hearty bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce. With melted mozzarella melting on top, this Italian-American comfort food is perfect for any night when you crave a rich, satisfying meal that’s also easy to make.
Pin This dish blends classic Italian herbs with fresh garlic and creamy textures to bring a timeless flavor everyone will savor. The sauce clings beautifully to each bowtie, making every bite rich and satisfying.
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
- 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 the chicken pieces
- with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Cook the 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.
- Sauté garlic
- 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 chicken broth
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Make the sauce
- 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 and melt
- 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.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the pasta is cooked just until al dente to keep its perfect texture under the rich sauce. Use fresh minced garlic and good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for best flavor. If the sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. You can also add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition, enhancing the dish’s savoriness and adding a fresh touch.
Serviervorschläge
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio, balancing the creamy richness on the plate with refreshing notes.
Pin With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties deliver satisfying flavors that bring warmth to your table. It’s a recipe to keep on hand for easy weekday dinners or a cozy weekend treat.
Recipe Q&A
- → What pasta type works best for this dish?
Bowtie pasta (farfalle) holds the creamy sauce well, but penne or rotini can also be used for similar texture.
- → How can I lighten the sauce?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter option while still achieving a creamy finish.
- → Can I add vegetables to this meal?
Yes, sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes blend well, offering extra flavor and nutrition.
- → What cheese works best melted over pasta?
Mozzarella delivers an ideal melt and mild flavor; Parmesan adds sharpness when sprinkled on top.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Classic bowtie pasta contains wheat; substitute with gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve texture.