Save to Pinterest Tender chicken and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful dish.
I still remember the first time I tried this recipe for my family. The aroma of garlic butter filled the kitchen and the combination of tender chicken with gooey mozzarella quickly became a weeknight favorite.
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:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
- Prep Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Sauté Chicken:
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Base:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 3 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer while scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet, then add drained pasta. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Melt Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over pasta. Cover skillet and let sit for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Save to Pinterest We love sharing this dish for Sunday dinners. Kids especially enjoy the cheesy topping and bowtie pasta shapes.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk ingredients (butter, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella) and wheat (pasta). May contain egg if using egg pasta. Always check product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrate, and 41 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this comforting pasta dish for dinner and watch it disappear. Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What pasta works best with this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal as its shape holds the sauce well, but other short pasta types like penne or rigatoni can be used.
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook chicken over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, to keep it tender and juicy.
- → Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?
Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce without losing creaminess.
- → What herbs complement this garlic butter chicken?
Dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil enhance flavor, providing a classic Italian touch.
- → How do I melt the mozzarella perfectly?
After adding shredded mozzarella over the pasta, cover and let it sit off heat for 2–3 minutes until melted evenly.