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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties with Mozzarella Cream Sauce

A comforting weeknight pasta dish featuring tender chicken and al dente bowtie pasta in a rich mozzarella cream sauce with garlic and Italian seasoning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups bowtie pasta, dry
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of the pasta cooking water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Gradually add the mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
  7. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and combined.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Shred the mozzarella finely for smoother melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, comfort food, mozzarella sauce