Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream Recipe
Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces sautéed in garlic butter, tossed with al dente bowtie pasta, and smothered in a creamy Parmesan and mozzarella sauce. This recipe combines Italian seasoning with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, making for a flavorful and indulgent meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce & Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet with garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss them gently in the sauce to coat evenly and heat through.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly so that every bowtie is coated in the cheesy cream sauce.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes on low heat until the mozzarella melts perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the creamy mozzarella garlic butter chicken bowties hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce richness will be slightly reduced.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Ensure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté only until fragrant.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Keywords: Mozzarella garlic butter chicken, bowtie pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken pasta dish, cheesy cream sauce chicken
