Pin It 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 dish on a busy weeknight when my family needed something filling and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It was such a hit that it quickly became a regular on our dinner table!
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle): 12 oz (340 g), cooked al dente
- 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)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g), grated
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g), shredded
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Black pepper (for serving): freshly ground, to taste
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish): as desired
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain, 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 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make garlic butter:
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Melt remaining 3 tbsp butter, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broth:
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Finish sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine:
- Return chicken to skillet, add drained pasta, and toss well. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Top with mozzarella:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over pasta, cover skillet, and let melt for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper before serving.
Pin It Whenever we serve this at family gatherings, the skillet is always scraped clean. Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy flavor and the fun bowtie pasta shapes.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli, and a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (butter, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella) and wheat (pasta). Check for hidden egg or gluten if you use specialty pasta.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 620 calories, 27 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 41 g protein.
Pin It This comforting pasta is ready in less than an hour and makes a crowd-pleasing main dish for cozy nights. Toss in some veggies or extra herbs to make it your own!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well and complements the chicken texture.
- → How can I prevent the sauce from thinning?
Reserve some pasta water and add gradually to adjust consistency without diluting the sauce too much.
- → Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Yes, shredded provolone or fontina offer similar melting qualities with slightly different flavors.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor?
Dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil blend well with garlic and butter for an aromatic base.
- → Is fresh garlic better than minced garlic from a jar?
Fresh garlic provides a more vibrant, robust flavor that enhances the sauce’s aroma and taste.
- → How to add extra vegetables to the dish?
Sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can be folded in before serving for additional taste and nutrition.