Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken is pure comfort in a skillet, where tender bite-sized chicken pieces meet a rich, creamy garlic sauce and melty mozzarella. Expect a luscious, velvety texture from the heavy cream and cheeses, with bright garlic aroma and a hint of Italian herb warmth. The chicken stays juicy and golden, while the bowtie pasta soaks up the sauce for a satisfying, family-style meal that feels both cozy and a little indulgent. It is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something effortless yet impressive, or for a weekend gathering when you need a crowd-pleasing dish. If you enjoy handheld dinner ideas, try a similar flavor profile in cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a quick twist.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Adds hearty protein and cooks quickly in bite-sized pieces.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Brings out flavor; some is used to season the chicken and sauce.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Freshly ground gives a sharper, fresher heat than pre-ground.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A blend of dried herbs that adds classic Italian flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil
For browning the chicken and preventing sticking.
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Holds saucy bits in its folds; cook until al dente per package directions.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Provides a rich base for the garlic sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic gives the sauce its aromatic backbone.
1 cup heavy cream
Creates a silky, creamy sauce that clings to pasta.
1/2 cup chicken broth
Adds savory depth and thins the sauce slightly.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts into a gooey, stringy texture for comfort.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Adds nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Gives a gentle kick if you like a touch of heat.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Final seasoning to balance the sauce.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Brightens the dish with fresh herb flavor.

You can also explore similar cheesy chicken wrap ideas for more uses of these ingredients in deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Tip: reserve the pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Make sure pieces are evenly coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Work in a single layer for even browning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring so the garlic does not brown.
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, and add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if using. Tip: if cheese seems clumpy, reduce heat and stir until fully melted.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick, until it reaches a creamy coat on the pasta. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving. For a similar one-pan comfort pasta technique, see the cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe for inspiration.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 950 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Cut chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
If sauce separates, lower the heat and whisk in a splash of reserved pasta water to bring it back together.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Do not leave dairy-based sauces at room temperature for more than two hours.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but cream-based sauces may change texture. To freeze, cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on low heat, stirring and adding a little broth if needed.

Variations using existing ingredients only

Increase the Parmesan to 3/4 cup for a sharper, saltier profile.
Add more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Swap bowtie pasta for another shape you have on hand while keeping all other ingredients the same.
If you enjoy bowtie and beef combinations, you may like this related idea for garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

FAQ

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes with this recipe?
A: Yes, any pasta will work; cook according to package directions and use the same sauce proportions.

Q: Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
A: Yes, reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.

Q: Can I reduce the cream for a lighter sauce?
A: You can use less cream, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
A: Grate cheeses fresh and melt over gentle heat while stirring continuously.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents and can affect melting; fresh shredded is best.

Q: What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
A: Cook until pieces are no longer pink and reach 165 F for safety.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken delivers comfort, speed, and crowd-pleasing flavor in one skillet. It pairs perfectly with a crisp salad or crusty bread to sop up any extra sauce. If you enjoy variations on garlic butter chicken with melty cheese, see a baked version at Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar for another approach. For a bright tomato and mozzarella pairing, try the ideas in One Pan Balsamic Garlic Mozzarella Chicken and Tomatoes. Give this recipe a try, share your tweaks, and enjoy a warm, cheesy dinner with people you love.