Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties recipe! Tender chicken pieces are sautéed to golden perfection and tossed with al dente bowtie pasta in a luxuriously creamy garlic butter sauce. The star of this dish is the rich, velvety mozzarella cream sauce that coats every fold of the pasta, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners, this one-pan wonder comes together in just 30 minutes. The aromatic garlic butter base infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, while the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates that restaurant-quality creaminess you crave. Each bite delivers tender, juicy chicken complemented by perfectly cooked bowtie pasta that catches and holds the creamy sauce in its folds. The garlic butter adds a rich, savory depth that makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and will have everyone asking for seconds! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – despite tasting like it came from an upscale Italian restaurant, it uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The one-pan cooking method means minimal cleanup, making it perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners when you want something special without the fuss.
Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta farfalle
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together until well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot..
