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Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

A cozy, indulgent weeknight meal featuring tender chicken in a creamy garlic butter sauce, enriched with two cheeses and served with bowtie pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Start the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.
  5. Build the cream sauce: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for about 2 to 4 minutes.
  6. Melt the cheeses: Add mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  7. Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Save pasta water for sauce thickness adjustment.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, pasta, mozzarella, creamy sauce, garlic