Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken is a cozy, satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are pan-seared until golden, then folded into a silky garlic butter cream sauce enriched with mozzarella and Parmesan. The bowtie pasta soaks up the sauce, giving each forkful a creamy, comforting texture with a mild stretch from the melted mozzarella and a nutty finish from the Parmesan. Aromas of garlic and butter fill the kitchen while the Italian seasoning and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes lend a lightly herby and optional spicy note. This dish is ideal for busy evenings, casual family dinners, or a simple date-night meal at home when you want something impressive without a lot of fuss. Serve it straight from the skillet for a warm, sharing-style presentation that feels both homey and special.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  Helpful for quick, even cooking and easy to eat with pasta.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  Measured to season the chicken during cooking.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  Freshly ground for brighter pepper flavor on the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  A blend of dried herbs to add classic Italian flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  For searing the chicken and adding a light fruity richness.
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  Bowtie shape holds the creamy sauce well and provides bite.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor in the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Fresh garlic gives bright aromatic depth to the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream
  Creates the lush, silky base of the sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
  Adds savory liquid and helps loosen the sauce if needed.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  Melts into a mild, stretchy creaminess.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  Brings a nutty, salty finish and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  Adds a gentle heat if you like a little spice.
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  For final seasoning adjustments before serving.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herb note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 12 oz bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for sauce adjustment. Tip: reserve the water before draining into a measuring cup so you can add it easily.
2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Even seasoning ensures balanced flavor.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted, add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Watch the garlic to prevent browning.
5. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep the heat moderate so the cream does not boil vigorously.
6. Gradually add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to fully melt the cheeses.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
8. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 650 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips
  • Dry the chicken well before seasoning to help it brown nicely.
  • Stir cheeses in gradually and keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid graininess.
  • Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
• Storage
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
• Freezing
  • This dish freezes best without the parsley garnish. Cool completely, pack in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Flavor Variations Using Existing Ingredients Only
  • Add the optional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier finish.
  • Increase the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan for a more pronounced nutty, salty flavor.
  • For extra garlic aroma, use all 4 cloves minced and sauté slightly longer in the butter.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, add a touch more butter when melting the garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any pasta that holds sauce works, but bowtie pasta is used here to catch the creamy sauce.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: Keep the heat moderate and stir the cheeses in slowly until fully melted.

Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Yes, store in airtight containers and reheat gently with a splash of broth or pasta water.

Q: Can I make this dairy free?
A: This specific recipe relies on heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and butter, so dairy-free swaps are not provided here.

Q: How can I tell when the chicken is cooked?
A: Chicken pieces should be golden and reach a safe internal temperature, or cut one to ensure there is no pink center.

People Also Ask

Q: What temperature should I simmer the cream and broth?
A: Simmer gently over medium to medium-low heat so the cream does not boil vigorously.

Q: Will shredded mozzarella melt smoothly in a cream sauce?
A: Yes, if added gradually and stirred until melted, mozzarella blends into a creamy texture.

Q: Can I make the sauce thicker without more cheese?
A: Reduce the liquid slightly while simmering, or let it cook a bit longer to thicken naturally.

Q: Should I salt the pasta water?
A: Yes, salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside and enhances overall flavor.

Q: How long can leftovers be kept in the fridge?
A: Store leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I reheat this in the microwave?
A: You can, but stir and add a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken with bowtie pasta is an easy, comforting meal that feels special without a lot of effort. If you enjoy a baked take on garlic butter chicken with mozzarella, check out a related baked version for inspiration at Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar. For a bright, tangy twist that pairs balsamic and tomatoes with mozzarella and garlic, see the one pan balsamic garlic mozzarella chicken and tomatoes recipe at One Pan Balsamic Garlic Mozzarella Chicken and Tomatoes. I hope you give this recipe a try and share how it turned out with family or friends. Enjoy a warm, cheesy bowl of comfort tonight.