Go Back

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Cheesy, garlicky, creamy pasta with juicy chicken, all made in one pan in about 35 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream Use full-fat for best results
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Grate your own for best taste
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Seasonings
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Add for a bit of heat

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically 10 to 12 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and set it aside without rinsing.
  3. Season the chicken cubes with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  2. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter, and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until melted and well combined.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and stir to coat in the cream sauce, simmering for 1 to 2 minutes.
  7. Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth if needed.
  8. Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet with a lid to let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes.
Serving
  1. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and stretchy.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and serve immediately as the pasta absorbs the sauce quickly.