Pin 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 dish on a rainy evening for my family when we craved something hearty but not too heavy. The melted cheese and the fragrant garlic butter always bring everyone to the table quickly!
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: 12 oz (340 g), cooked al dente
- Chicken breast: 1 lb (450 g), boneless, skinless, cut bite-sized
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Dried Italian herbs: 1/2 tsp (oregano, basil, or mixed)
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (60 g), divided
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (plus for garnish)
- Pasta water: 1/4 cup (60 ml), reserved
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste, for serving
- Extra Parmesan cheese: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Season chicken:
- Toss chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Sear chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make garlic butter base:
- Add 3 tbsp butter to skillet. Sauté garlic 1 minute over medium heat until fragrant.
- Deglaze:
- Pour in chicken broth. Simmer, scraping up bits from pan.
- Creamy parmesan sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- Combine:
- Return chicken and add drained pasta. Toss, using reserved pasta water as needed.
- Add mozzarella:
- Sprinkle mozzarella over pasta and cover. Let sit 2 minutes for cheese to melt.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Pin Sharing this meal has become a little tradition for us, especially when everyone is gathered for a cozy night in. Even picky eaters come back for seconds!
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet with lid, strainer, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, and cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 620 Protein: 41 g Fat: 27 g Carbohydrates: 54 g per serving.
Notes
Substitute half-and-half for cream if you prefer a lighter version. Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost.
Pin This dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite together!
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta works best as it holds the sauce well and pairs perfectly with the chicken pieces.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?
Yes, provolone or fontina can be good alternatives, adding a slightly different but still creamy texture.
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook chicken over medium-high heat until golden and just cooked through to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms complement the flavors beautifully and add nutrition.
- → Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the garlic butter cream sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before combining with the pasta and chicken.
- → How to adjust the sauce if it gets too thick?
Adding reserved pasta water a little at a time helps loosen the sauce while keeping a creamy consistency.