Save Tender chicken and bowtie pasta are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce then topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful dish that combines Italian-American classics in an easy family dinner.
I remember the first time I made this for my family on a weeknight when we needed a quick but satisfying meal. The cheesy pasta disappeared almost instantly and the garlicky sauce became an instant favorite in our regular dinner rotation.
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 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) pasta water.
- Season Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Cook Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prep Garlic Butter:
- Reduce skillet to medium, add remaining butter, minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine & Finish:
- Return chicken to skillet, add drained pasta, toss everything, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Add Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over pasta, cover skillet, let sit for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve:
- Top with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Save This dish quickly became a favorite at our table, with everyone asking for seconds and the kids loving the gooey melted cheese on top.
Variations
Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition, or substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and light white wine like Pinot Grigio for an easy weeknight meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 41 g protein.
Save Give this cozy pasta recipe a try for dinner this week and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort with every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Ensure the skillet is covered for a few minutes after adding mozzarella to allow it to melt evenly and smoothly blend with the pasta.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes instead of bowtie?
Yes, pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini can work well, holding the creamy garlic butter sauce effectively.
- → What herbs complement this dish best?
Dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil are perfect in the seasoning blend, with fresh parsley added for garnish and brightness.
- → Is it possible to lighten the sauce?
Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream creates a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess and flavor.
- → How to keep chicken juicy during cooking?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking which can dry them out.