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 recipe on a chilly weeknight when I wanted something satisfying but simple. It quickly became a favorite, especially when my family kept asking for more!
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: 12 oz (340 g) farfalle pasta
- Chicken breast: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 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)
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp plus more for garnish
- 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 and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) pasta water.
- Season Chicken:
- Toss chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Sauté Chicken:
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return chicken to skillet and add drained pasta. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Add Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Cover and let sit 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper if desired.
Save Sharing this meal around the dinner table always leads to smiles and empty plates. It is one of those dishes my kids ask for by name!
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Add a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Ingredient Swaps
For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
Allergen and Nutrition Info
This recipe contains dairy (butter, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella) and wheat (pasta). One serving has 620 calories, 27 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 41 g protein.
Save This crowd-pleasing dish is quick enough for busy nights and comforting enough for Sunday dinner. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal because its shape holds the creamy garlic butter sauce well, enhancing every bite.
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through to retain juiciness without drying out.
- → Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Yes, shredded provolone or fontina can be used for a different but still creamy and melty topping.
- → Is there a way to lighten the sauce?
Replacing heavy cream with half-and-half reduces richness while maintaining the creamy texture of the sauce.
- → What herbs complement this dish best?
Dried Italian herbs such as oregano and basil work beautifully, adding aromatic depth to the garlic butter sauce.