Pin Tender chicken and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful dish.
This recipe combines my love for garlic butter with the cozy feel of melted mozzarella, making it a family favorite whenever dinner needs a quick upgrade.
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.
- Sauté Garlic:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, mixing until smooth.
- Combine:
- 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.
- Top Cheese:
- 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 This dish always brings the family together, especially when shared with a crisp green salad and a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, chef's knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (butter, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella), Wheat (pasta). May contain Egg (if using egg pasta). Always check product labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 620, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 54 g, Protein 41 g
Pin Enjoy this rich and creamy chicken pasta dish that is sure to impress with minimal effort.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, to retain juiciness and texture.
- → Can I substitute the bowtie pasta with another type?
Yes, short pasta like penne or rotini can be used; just adjust cooking time to maintain al dente texture.
- → What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?
Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy and helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- → Could I use a lighter cream alternative?
Half-and-half is a great lighter substitute that still provides creaminess without heaviness.
- → How is the garlic butter sauce made?
Butter is melted and garlic sautéed until fragrant, then chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan are stirred in to create a rich, smooth sauce.