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Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

A cozy weeknight dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy, garlicky sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan over bowtie pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, tossing to coat evenly.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
  5. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until evenly coated with the sauce.
  8. Add reserved pasta water as needed, and season with crushed red pepper flakes and additional salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for even browning. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, mozzarella, garlic butter, pasta, weeknight dinner