Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

Warm, comforting, and unmistakably indulgent, Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken brings together tender seared chicken, a silky garlic cream sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella over bowtie pasta. Each forkful gives you juicy bites of seasoned chicken wrapped in a rich, buttery sauce that smells of fresh garlic and toasted Parmesan. The bowtie pasta holds pockets of sauce so every mouthful is smooth and satisfying. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a special dinner with minimal fuss, or for casual weekend gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. If you like creamy, cheese-forward chicken dishes, you may also enjoy a heartier, southwestern take like Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, which shares the same comforting spirit with a different spice profile.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Tender chicken pieces that cook quickly and soak up the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt
For seasoning the chicken and balancing the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Adds a warm, subtle heat to the chicken.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A blend of dried herbs that gives an aromatic base flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil
For searing the chicken to a golden crust.
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Pasta shape that traps sauce in its folds for even coating.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Builds the rich, buttery sauce base without extra salt.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic provides the key aromatic note.
1 cup heavy cream
Creates the velvety, luxurious sauce texture.
1/2 cup chicken broth
Adds savory depth and helps thin the cream for a saucier finish.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts into a stretchy, mild, creamy layer.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Brings a nutty, salty balance and helps thicken the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
A touch of heat, use more or less according to taste.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Final seasoning adjustments to brighten the dish.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Fresh herb to add color and a mild, bright finish.

If you enjoy the mozzarella flavor in this pasta, try a handheld option like Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a portable meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 12 oz bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Tip: keep the pasta water warm, it helps loosen the sauce if needed.
Season the chicken. Meanwhile, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to evenly coat.
Sear the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Work in a single layer so pieces brown evenly. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Start the sauce. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted, add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Tip: watch the garlic closely so it does not burn.
Add liquids. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. If the sauce seems too thick later, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Melt the cheeses. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, mixing continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Small tip: lower the heat to prevent the cheese from clumping.
Combine chicken and pasta. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together over low heat so the pasta is coated and the chicken is heated through. Use a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Finish and serve. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

For another creamy, beef-forward bowtie pasta idea, see this variation of Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 960 per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tip: Reserve pasta water and add a tablespoon at a time to thin the sauce without diluting flavor.
Tip: Sear the chicken in a hot pan without crowding to get a golden exterior.
Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezing: For best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Flavor variations using only the listed ingredients: add the optional crushed red pepper flakes for more heat, stir in extra Parmesan for a saltier finish, or use a bit more mozzarella for extra stretch and creaminess.

For another creamy skillet technique that pairs mozzarella and garlic, you might like this Deliciously Cheesy Chicken Garlic Wraps approach that uses similar sauce ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pasta works best for this recipe?
Bowtie pasta is used here because it holds the sauce well, but similar shaped pasta will work.
Can I use lower fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Using lower fat cream will thin the sauce and change the texture; heavy cream gives the richest result.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Keep the heat low and stir constantly while adding the cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Is it safe to cook chicken pieces this size in 6 to 7 minutes?
Yes, bite-sized chicken over medium-high heat should reach doneness in about 6 to 7 minutes, but always check that juices run clear.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, store components separately and combine when reheating to maintain texture.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken recipe is a simple route to a restaurant-worthy, cheesy pasta dinner that feels cozy and satisfying. It balances tender seared chicken with a rich garlic cream sauce and melty mozzarella for texture and comfort. Try it on a weeknight when you want something quick but impressive, and share a photo or note if you make adjustments. For another take on garlic butter chicken with mozzarella, see this baked version at Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar and for a lighter pan-roasted style try One Pan Balsamic Garlic Mozzarella Chicken and Tomatoes. Enjoy this warm, cheesy meal with good company and a relaxed evening.