Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken is a warm, comforting weeknight meal that brings together tender chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and gooey mozzarella for a dish that feels both indulgent and homey. The sauce is rich and silky, with savory Parmesan adding a subtle nutty tang and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Bowtie pasta soaks up the cream, creating a satisfying texture contrast between the soft pasta and the golden, bite-sized chicken pieces. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or when you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss. If you enjoy simple comfort food with big flavor, you may also like this take on a cheesy garlic chicken wrap for a handheld version of these flavors: cheesy garlic chicken wraps.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — tender white meat that cooks quickly when cut small.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — for initial seasoning of the chicken.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper — adds mild peppery warmth.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — a blend of dried herbs to boost savory flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil — for searing the chicken and developing a golden crust.
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta — holds sauce well with its shape and texture.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter — builds the rich base of the garlic butter sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced — provides bright, aromatic garlic flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream — gives the sauce its lush, creamy body.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth — thins and flavors the sauce while keeping it savory.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese — melts into a stretchy, mild-cheese layer.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese — adds salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes — a little heat to balance the creaminess.
• Salt and pepper, to taste — final seasoning adjustments for the finished dish.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley — fresh herb for color and a light, herbal note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside. Tip: reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
5. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and taste, adjusting with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained bowtie pasta and toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
8. If the sauce seems too thick, adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water, adding a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired texture.
9. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

For a slightly different butter profile that pairs well with bowtie pasta, you can compare techniques used in a cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe here: cowboy butter chicken pasta.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: About 900 kcal per serving (approximate)

You might also enjoy a similar cheesy bowtie pasta idea with beef for a different protein option: garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips
  • Dry the chicken well before seasoning to help it brown properly.
  • Keep heat moderate when adding garlic to avoid burning it and creating bitterness.
  • Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce consistency; the starch helps bind the sauce.
• Storage
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing
  • Creamy pasta can change texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze, cool completely, pack in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring and adding a little chicken broth if needed.
• Flavor Variations (using only the listed ingredients)
  • Make it cheesier by increasing the Parmesan amount and stirring in an extra 1/4 cup while warming.
  • Add more heat by doubling the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • For a lighter sauce texture, reduce the heavy cream slightly and use a bit more chicken broth while finishing with reserved pasta water for the right body.
  • Finish with extra parsley for a fresher herbal lift.

You can also explore a steak and Parmesan cream approach for inspiration on finishing techniques: garlic butter steak Parmesan cream sauce.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes. Any short pasta that holds sauce will work, such as penne or rotini.
2. How do I know the chicken is cooked?
   Chicken pieces should be golden and register 165 F internally, or cut one open to check there is no pink.
3. Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
   Low-fat options will make the sauce thinner and less rich, but you can use them; expect a different texture.
4. Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
   You can cook components ahead, but keep pasta and sauce slightly separate and combine when reheating for best texture.
5. How spicy is this dish?
   Mild by default. The 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that you can increase or omit.

People Also Ask

1. How long does it take to cook bowtie pasta?
   Follow the package directions; most bowtie pasta cooks in 9 to 12 minutes to reach al dente.
2. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
   Yes, but Parmesan adds salty, nutty depth. Omitting it will change the sauce flavor.
3. What is the best way to reheat creamy pasta?
   Reheat gently over low heat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creaminess.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
   Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and avoid high heat after adding the dairy and cheese.
5. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
   Yes, but freshly shredded melts slightly better because it lacks anti-caking agents.
6. Should I season the pasta water?
   Yes, salting the pasta water seasons the pasta itself and enhances overall flavor.
7. Is it better to sear the chicken or poach it?
   Searing creates more flavor and a golden crust that complements the creamy sauce.
8. How can I make this recipe lighter?
   Reduce the heavy cream and increase the chicken broth slightly, then adjust with reserved pasta water as needed.

Conclusion

I hope this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken becomes a favorite weeknight dinner for you. The creamy, cheesy sauce with garlic and tender chicken is comforting and easy to pull together from pantry staples. If you enjoyed this recipe and want a baked variation with similar flavors, take a look at Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar. For a bright, tomato-forward one pan version that also uses mozzarella and garlic, try One Pan Balsamic Garlic Mozzarella Chicken and Tomatoes. I would love to hear how your dish turns out, so please give it a try and share your notes or photos. Enjoy a cozy meal!