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.

I remember making this for a weeknight dinner, expecting leftovers. Instead, everyone kept coming back for seconds because the melted mozzarella and buttery garlic flavor made it irresistible. It has since become a regular rotation meal in our household.

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 (garnish)

Instructions

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Boil 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.

Sauté Chicken:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook for 5 & 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Make Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Simmer Broth:

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from pan.

Finish Sauce:

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, mixing until smooth.

Combine:

Return cooked chicken to skillet, add drained pasta, toss together, and use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.

Add Mozzarella:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over pasta, cover skillet, and let sit 2 & 3 minutes until cheese melts.

Garnish & Serve:

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

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One evening, my kids gathered around the stovetop waiting for dinner to finish. When I finally brought the skillet to the table, everyone dug in right away and kept complimenting the gooey cheese and savory sauce. It is always a meal that brings us together.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk and wheat; may contain egg if using egg pasta. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

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This dish is a comforting weeknight winner. The creamy mozzarella and garlic sauce bring everything together for a meal you will want to make again and again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What pasta works best with this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta holds the sauce well, offering a pleasant texture and shape that complements the chicken and cheese.

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through to prevent drying out while maintaining tenderness.

→ Can I substitute ingredients for the sauce?

Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, and additional herbs or spinach can enhance flavor.

→ What is the best way to melt mozzarella cheese evenly?

Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes after sprinkling mozzarella on top, allowing it to melt evenly with residual heat.

→ How should I adjust seasoning before serving?

Finish by seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for brightness.