Description
Mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties shine as a quick weeknight dinner that brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen. Creamy pasta waves get tossed with tender chicken and melted cheese, creating a satisfying meal your family will request again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Extras:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Salt and pepper 1 lb chicken breast, then dice into bite-sized chunks for easy eating.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet at medium-high heat (375°F) for precise searing.
- Cook diced chicken for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons butter immediately.
- Mince 4 cloves of garlic and sauté for exactly 45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour ½ cup chicken broth and 1 ½ cups heavy cream into the skillet.
- Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
- Sprinkle 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese into sauce, whisking until completely smooth.
- Add cooked chicken back to skillet and coat thoroughly with creamy sauce.
- Cook 12 oz bowtie pasta according to package directions until perfectly al dente.
- Drain pasta and fold into skillet, mixing with sauce and chicken.
- Spread 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella across the top of the dish.
- Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes at low heat.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the top for bright color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Salt the pasta water generously for maximum flavor infusion into the bowtie noodles.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a smoother, richer sauce consistency.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender meat.
- Select full-fat heavy cream and butter to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 58 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 710 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg