Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties offer a warm embrace of Italian-American flavors with tender chicken and bowtie pasta tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This comforting dish is finished with a blanket of melted mozzarella, creating a perfect combination of creamy, savory, and cheesy that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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This dish harmonizes classic Italian herbs with creamy textures, offering a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and approachable. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious dinner that pleases all palates and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• Pasta
  • 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• Chicken
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or mixed)
• Sauce
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• For Serving
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.

2. Season the chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.

3. Cook the chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

4. Prepare the sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add broth

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

6. Incorporate cream and cheese

Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, mixing until smooth.

7. Combine chicken and pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.

8. Melt mozzarella

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta and cover the skillet. Let sit 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.

9. Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für eine leichtere Version kann Sahne durch Half-and-Half ersetzt werden. Verwenden Sie frische italienische Kräuter für einen intensiveren Geschmack. Achten Sie darauf, die Pasta nicht zu lange zu kochen, damit sie al dente bleibt und die Sauce gut aufnimmt.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für zusätzliche Aromen können sautierter Spinat oder getrocknete Tomaten hinzugefügt werden. Vegetarische Varianten sind möglich durch Ersetzen des Huhns mit Pilzen oder geröstetem Gemüse. Käseoptionen können an den persönlichen Geschmack angepasst werden.

Serviervorschläge

Das Gericht passt hervorragend zu einem knackigen grünen Salat und einem leichten weißen Wein wie Pinot Grigio. Frisch gemahlener schwarzer Pfeffer und zusätzlicher Parmesan sorgen für den letzten Schliff.

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Genießen Sie dieses einfache, aber beeindruckende Gericht, das mit wenigen Zutaten eine perfekte Balance aus Geschmack und Textur bietet. Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties sind ideal, um Freunde und Familie zu beeindrucken, ohne stundenlang in der Küche zu stehen.

Recipe FAQ

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal as its shape holds the creamy sauce well, providing a balanced texture in every bite.

→ Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?

Yes, Parmesan enhances flavor, and you can experiment with fontina or provolone for different textures and tastes.

→ How should the chicken be cooked for best results?

Cook chicken pieces in butter over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked to ensure tender, juicy bites.

→ Is it possible to make the sauce lighter?

Substituting heavy cream with half-and-half will lighten the sauce while still maintaining creaminess.

→ Any suggestions to add more vegetables?

Adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before combining adds flavor and nutrition for a more balanced dish.