Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe is a cozy weeknight winner that brings creamy, cheesy comfort to the table in about 30 minutes. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are seared in butter and Italian seasoning, then tossed with al dente bowtie pasta and a silky garlic cream sauce loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan. Expect rich, savory flavors, a smooth and slightly stretchy cheese pull from the mozzarella, and a garlic-forward aroma that fills the kitchen. Texturally, the tender chicken and toothsome pasta contrast nicely with the velvety sauce, while fresh parsley or basil adds a bright finish. It is ideal for busy family dinners, small dinner parties, or any night you want a satisfying pasta dish that feels indulgent without being fussy. If you enjoy creamy chicken pastas, you might also like this take on creamy chicken and pasta recipes for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  Use standard dried farfalle; its shape holds the sauce well.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  Small, even pieces cook quickly and evenly.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Fresh garlic gives the sauce its fragrant, savory backbone.

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  Split into 2 tablespoons for cooking chicken and 2 tablespoons for the sauce for balanced richness.

• 1 cup heavy cream
  Creates the silky base for the creamy garlic sauce.

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  Melts into the sauce for stretch and mild creaminess.

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.

• Salt and pepper, to taste
  Season at stages to layer flavor.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  A simple herb blend that complements the garlic and cheeses.

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
  Adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich sauce; use either herb as preferred.
  For more quick chicken sandwich and simple chicken ideas, check this easy chicken recipe collection.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Boil the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve half a cup of pasta water. Tip: Reserve the pasta water before draining so you can loosen the sauce if needed.

2. Cook the chicken
   In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. Tip: Do not crowd the pan; work in a single layer so the chicken browns nicely.

3. Make the garlic butter
   In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Watch the garlic closely so it does not brown.

4. Create the creamy sauce
   Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1 cup grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, adjust consistency with the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.

5. Combine pasta and chicken
   Add the cooked bowtie pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce and heat through for a minute or two.

6. Garnish and serve
   Serve immediately topped with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Tip: A small sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the table adds a nice finishing touch.

For another comforting chicken pasta idea, see this reader favorite easy chicken and cheese recipe.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 820 per serving

For a different chicken dinner idea that is still family friendly, you can browse this collection of chicken recipes.

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Practical tips

  • Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Use low to medium heat when melting cheeses to avoid grainy texture.
  • Keep reserved pasta water nearby to thin the sauce without diluting flavor.

• Storage and freezing

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
  • Freezing is not recommended for best texture because creamy sauces can separate after freezing and thawing.

• Flavor variations using only the ingredients provided

  • Extra cheesy: Stir in a little more Parmesan or mozzarella while finishing for a richer sauce.
  • Herb-forward: Use more fresh parsley or basil as a garnish to brighten the dish.
  • Garlic-forward: Increase the minced garlic to 6 cloves if you want a stronger garlic aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any short pasta that holds sauce, such as penne or rigatoni, works fine.

Q: How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: Chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 F and juices run clear.

Q: Can I reduce the creaminess without changing ingredients?
A: Use slightly less heavy cream and add more reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.

Q: Do I need to pre-cook the chicken before adding to the sauce?
A: Yes, cook the chicken first so it is browned and fully cooked before combining with the sauce.

Q: Is Parmesan necessary?
A: Parmesan adds nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce, but you may reduce it if desired.

Q: Can I make this ahead for dinner?
A: You can cook components ahead, but combine and reheat just before serving for best texture.

People Also Ask

Q: What is the best way to melt mozzarella without it becoming stringy?
A: Melt mozzarella slowly over low heat and stir constantly into the cream to create a smooth sauce.

Q: Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
A: Substituting half-and-half will result in a thinner sauce and milder richness.

Q: How much salt should I add to the pasta water?
A: Salt the water until it tastes slightly salty, similar to sea water, to season the pasta from the inside.

Q: Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
A: Yes, the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools because of the cheeses.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken pieces?
A: Thaw frozen chicken fully and pat dry before cooking to ensure even browning.

Q: What garnish pairs best with this dish?
A: Fresh parsley or basil adds color and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Q: How long does the dish keep in the fridge?
A: Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make this recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes, multiply ingredient quantities proportionally to scale up.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making these Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties as much as I do. The combination of tender chicken, garlicky butter, and a creamy mozzarella-Parmesan sauce is simple but deeply satisfying. If you liked this style of creamy chicken pasta, you may want to compare it with another version here: Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream, or explore a baked take on garlic butter chicken with mozzarella at Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella. Please try the recipe, leave a note on what you changed, and share a photo if you like. Cozy eating and happy cooking.

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