Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Featured in: International BBQ Flavors

This comforting dish features juicy chicken pieces and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a velvety texture, while mozzarella melted on top adds a gooey finish. Infused with Italian herbs, fresh parsley and black pepper, this meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Serve garnished with extra Parmesan and pair with a light salad or wine for a well-rounded main course. Tips include using half-and-half for a lighter version and adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and taste.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:44:57 GMT
Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan.  Save
Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan. | bitegrill.com

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties combine tender chicken and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley, this Italian-American classic offers a creamy, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, the dish brings together savory flavors and rich textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan.  Save
Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan. | bitegrill.com

Serving this dish fresh from the skillet ensures the mozzarella is melted and gooey, while the garlic butter sauce clings to each bowtie. Each bite delivers a balanced mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory notes elevated by the fresh parsley garnish.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) 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

1. Cook the bowtie pasta
in a 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.
2. Season the chicken pieces
with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
3. Cook the chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Sauté the garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add chicken broth
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
6. Stir in cream and cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, mixing until smooth.
7. Combine chicken and pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Melt the mozzarella
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and cover the skillet. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
9. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für eine leichtere Variante kann die Sahne durch Half-and-Half ersetzt werden, wodurch die Soße weniger schwer wird. Achten Sie beim Abschmecken darauf, die Menge des Salzes anzupassen, da Parmesan bereits salzig ist.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für zusätzlichen Geschmack und Nährstoffe können sautierter Spinat oder sonnengetrocknete Tomaten in die Soße gegeben werden. Das Gericht lässt sich auch gut mit anderen Pastasorten variieren, jedoch bleibt Bowtie (Farfalle) die klassische Wahl.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie die Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties mit frisch gemahlenem schwarzem Pfeffer und extra Parmesan. Dazu passt ein frischer grüner Salat und ein leichter Weißwein wie Pinot Grigio, um das Geschmackserlebnis abzurunden.

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| bitegrill.com

Mit diesem Rezept genießen Sie ein klassisches, cremiges Pasta-Gericht, das schnell zubereitet ist und immer begeistert. Ob für die Familie oder Gäste – Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties sind ein zuverlässiger Gewinner, der mit wenigen Zutaten großen Geschmack liefert.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli can substitute bowties if desired. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Is it possible to lighten the sauce?

Replacing the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk makes the sauce lighter, while still creamy.

What other vegetables work well?

Chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms blend easily and add flavor to the dish.

How do I ensure chicken stays tender?

Cook chicken pieces just until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep them moist and juicy.

What wine pairs with this meal?

A crisp white such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the buttery sauce and cheesy pasta.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties

Chicken and bowtie pasta in garlic butter, topped with mozzarella. Comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Pasta

01 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Chicken

01 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Sauce

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
04 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

For Serving

01 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
02 Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Pasta: Cook bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package directions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.

Phase 02

Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs.

Phase 03

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Phase 04

Sauté Garlic: Reduce skillet heat to medium and add remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 05

Deglaze Pan: Pour in chicken broth, bringing to a simmer while scraping up browned bits from the pan.

Phase 06

Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, whisking until sauce is smooth.

Phase 07

Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss together. Incorporate reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce consistency.

Phase 08

Melt Mozzarella: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella over pasta and cover skillet. Allow cheese to melt for 2 to 3 minutes.

Phase 09

Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

Tools needed

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet with lid
  • Strainer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains milk (butter, cream, Parmesan, mozzarella) and wheat (pasta).
  • May contain egg if egg-based pasta is used.
  • Always check product labels for potential hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 620
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 41 g