Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken is comfort food at its finest, blending rich, creamy sauce with tender, golden chicken and gooey mozzarella for a plate that smells like a cozy evening at home. The sauce is silky from heavy cream and butter, brightened slightly by garlic and Parmesan, while the bowtie pasta holds the sauce in its ruffled creases for an indulgent, biteable texture. Expect a savory aroma of garlic and melted cheese, a creamy mouthfeel, and a satisfying contrast between the juicy chicken pieces and the chewy pasta. It is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but special, or for a relaxed weekend meal to feed family and friends. If you enjoy similar creamy chicken dishes, try this creamy garlic chicken pasta for another crowd-pleasing option.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — Boneless pieces cook evenly and are easy to bite through in the finished dish.
1/2 teaspoon salt — Adds basic seasoning to the chicken and sauce.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper — Freshly ground pepper gives a sharper, fresher spice than preground.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — A blend of dried herbs that adds savory depth.
1 tablespoon olive oil — For searing the chicken to a golden exterior.
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta — The farfalle shape traps sauce and cheese in its folds.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter — Builds richness in the sauce without adding extra salt.
4 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic provides aromatic flavor in every bite.
1 cup heavy cream — Creates a silky, luxurious sauce that clings to pasta.
1/2 cup chicken broth — Adds savory volume and balances the cream.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese — Melts into gooey, stretchy pockets of cheese.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese — Adds nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) — Adds a gentle heat if you like a little kick.
Salt and pepper, to taste — For final seasoning adjustments.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) — Fresh parsley brightens appearance and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Tip: Reserve the pasta water before draining so you can loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for consistent flavor.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. A hot pan helps create a nice golden sear that locks in juices.
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. Do not let the garlic brown to avoid bitterness.
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to build flavor.
Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, stirring until smooth and thickened. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if using. If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky, clingy sauce. Heat until everything is warmed through and the cheese is fully melted.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 650 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tip: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing to maintain a golden crust.
Tip: If your sauce separates or seems thin, a splash of reserved pasta water will help emulsify it back to a smooth texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Freezing: You can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Texture of the pasta may slightly change after freezing.
Flavor variations using only the listed ingredients: stir in crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or add extra Parmesan for a nuttier finish. If you want a crunchy garnish, briefly sauté a little extra chicken and sprinkle on top. For inspiration on other chicken and garlic combinations, see this savory chicken shawarma garlic sauce recipe.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any pasta that holds sauce well will work. Bowtie is suggested, but penne or rotini are fine substitutes.

Q: Is heavy cream necessary?
A: Heavy cream gives the sauce its silky texture. Using a lower-fat milk will thin the sauce and change the final texture.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Chicken is cooked through when pieces reach an internal temperature of 165 F and are no longer pink inside.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare components ahead, but toss pasta and chicken with sauce just before serving to maintain texture.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
A: Stir the cheese into the warm sauce gradually off the highest heat and keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken is a satisfying, cheesy weeknight favorite that comes together quickly and rewards you with comforting flavor and creamy texture. If you enjoy exploring similar baked and skillet-style chicken recipes, you might like this Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar for an oven-baked approach or this One Pan Balsamic Garlic Mozzarella Chicken and Tomatoes for a bright, one-pan dinner. I hope you try this recipe soon and share it with friends and family for a cozy, delicious meal.