Save to Pinterest 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 chicken bowtie pasta when our family needed a cozy meal after a chilly soccer game, and it instantly became a favorite for both kids and adults because of its savory, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) bowtie pasta
- Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano basil or mixed)
- Sauce: 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter 4 cloves garlic minced 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- For Serving: Freshly ground black pepper to taste Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook bowtie pasta in large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
- Season Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt black pepper and Italian herbs.
- Sauté Chicken:
- In large skillet over medium-high heat melt 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 3 tbsp butter into skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to simmer scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet then add drained pasta. Toss together adding reserved pasta water to loosen sauce as needed.
- Top and Melt Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over pasta and cover skillet. Let sit 2 minutes for cheese to melt.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping sprinkle the mozzarella before the final melt and it makes dinner extra interactive. Moments like these turn mealtime into family bonding.
Required Tools
Large pot large skillet with lid strainer wooden spoon or spatula chefs knife and cutting board are essential for this recipe.
Allergen Information
This dish contains milk (butter cream Parmesan mozzarella) and wheat (pasta) and may contain egg. Always check product labels if allergies are present.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 620 calories 27 g total fat 54 g carbohydrates and 41 g protein making it a hearty meal for any occasion.
Save to Pinterest Serve this pasta hot straight from the skillet for the best gooey cheese and flavor. Enjoy leftovers by reheating gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, fusilli, or any short-cut pasta. Adjust cooking time as needed for the pasta type.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Replace butter, cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives. The flavor will vary but remains delicious.
- → How do I add vegetables to this dish?
Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms are excellent additions. Add them with the chicken or to the sauce for extra nutrition.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the components separately and combine before serving. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce.
- → What wine pairs best?
A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy flavors beautifully and adds a refreshing touch.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly without being sticky.