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.

My family fell in love with this meal the very first time I made it. The combination of creamy garlic butter sauce and gooey mozzarella quickly made it a weeknight favorite, especially when everyone is craving something cozy.

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 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 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Make Sauce:

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and saute 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 Ingredients:

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 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Pin Recipe

This is the dinner my kids ask for again and again. The cheesy topping makes it a fun meal to serve family-style, and everyone enjoys scooping a generous helping onto their plate.

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife and cutting board

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 41 g protein

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Add sauteed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Pairs well with a crisp green salad and a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio.

Pin Recipe

This mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties recipe is cozy and fuss-free. Enjoy the creamy sauce and cheesy topping for a dish that brings everyone to the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal as it holds the sauce well and provides a pleasant texture.

→ Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?

Yes, Parmesan adds sharpness while mozzarella offers meltiness. You can also experiment with provolone or fontina for variation.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cook chicken over medium-high heat just until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes, avoiding overcooking.

→ Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream and reducing butter can lighten the sauce without sacrificing much flavor.

→ Can additional vegetables be added?

Sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes complement the dish well and add nutrition and flavor complexity.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor profile?

Dried Italian herbs such as oregano and basil are used, but fresh parsley is added at the end for brightness.