Save Tender chicken and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful dish.
I first made this on a chilly night for my family. Everyone loved how the creamy garlic butter sauce paired with the soft pasta and the gooey mozzarella topping.
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
- 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.
- Cook Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5 – 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base:
- 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 and Cream:
- 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 Chicken and Pasta:
- 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.
- Melt Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and cover the skillet. Let it sit for 2 – 3 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Save My kids request this cheesy chicken pasta nearly every week. It is delicious and filling, and we enjoy it together at our family dinners.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (butter, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella), Wheat (pasta). May contain: Egg (if using egg pasta).
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 41 g protein.
Save For best results, serve immediately while the mozzarella is still warm and gooey. Leftovers reheat well in a skillet over low heat.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta is used in this dish?
Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is used, providing a perfect shape that holds the creamy sauce well.
- → How is the garlic butter sauce made?
Butter is melted and garlic is sautéed, then combined with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- → Can the chicken be substituted with another protein?
Yes, tender cuts like turkey or tofu can be used, seasoning them similarly to complement the sauce.
- → What is the best way to melt the mozzarella evenly?
After tossing mozzarella over the pasta and chicken, cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes to allow gentle melting.
- → How can this dish be customized for extra flavor?
Adding sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like basil enhances both taste and nutrition.