Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

The smell of garlic and butter hitting a hot skillet stops me in my tracks every single time. This pasta came together on a Tuesday when I needed something that felt like a hug but could still happen on a weeknight. My husband walked through the door and immediately asked what restaurant I had ordered from.

Last winter my sister came over looking exhausted after a brutal week at work. I made this exact recipe and watched her shoulders actually drop as she took that first creamy, garlicky bite. Sometimes food just needs to say I see you and Ive got you.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into even bite-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same speed and stays tender
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: The foundation that layers with every other seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Dried herbs work beautifully here since they will bloom in the hot pan
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use this to get a nice golden sear on the chicken before building the sauce
• 12 oz bowtie pasta: Farfalle has those perfect little pockets that cradle the sauce
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Let this melt fully and foam slightly before adding garlic
• 4 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here for that authentic depth
• 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth: This combination creates richness without becoming too heavy
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan: The mozzarella melts into gooey perfection while Parmesan brings that sharp salty finish
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but adds the most gentle warmth that balances all that cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds brightness and makes everything look intentional

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta:

Boil in salted water until al dente then drain but save that precious half cup of pasta water

Season the chicken pieces:

Sprinkle with salt pepper and Italian seasoning making sure each piece gets some love

Sear the chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and cook until golden and cooked through about 6 to 7 minutes then set aside

Build the flavor base:

In the same skillet melt butter over medium heat add minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 1 minute until fragrant

Create the sauce:

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream stirring gently and bringing to a low simmer

Melt in the cheese:

Add mozzarella and Parmesan stirring constantly until smooth and thickened about 3 to 4 minutes

Bring it all together:

Return chicken to the skillet add pasta and toss adding pasta water if needed for consistency

Finish and serve:

Remove from heat sprinkle with fresh parsley and get it on the table while its hot

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This recipe has become my go-to for new parents and neighbors needing a little extra comfort. Something about pasta covered in melted cheese just makes people feel seen and taken care of.

Make It Your Own

Sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach wilt into the sauce beautifully for extra texture and nutrients. The earthiness of mushrooms pairs perfectly with all that creamy richness.

Speed Things Up

A store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully if you need to get dinner on the table even faster. Just shred it and add it when the recipe calls for returning the cooked chicken to the skillet.

What to Serve Alongside

A crisp green salad with an acidic vinaigrette cuts through all that richness nicely. Garlic bread might seem like overkill but honestly who ever regretted more garlic bread.

• Keep some pasta water handy until the very end
• Taste the sauce before adding more salt since both cheeses bring their own
• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well with a tiny splash of cream

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This is the kind of dinner that makes people pause their conversations and just enjoy their food for a minute. Simple ingredients done right beat fancy recipes every time.

Recipe FAQs

→ What pasta works best with this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal as its shape holds the creamy sauce well, but other short pastas like penne or rotini can be used too.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve some pasta cooking water and gradually add it to the skillet when combining the sauce and pasta, adjusting to your desired consistency.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach blend seamlessly into the sauce, adding both nutrition and flavor.

→ What is the best way to cook the chicken evenly?

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Include crushed red pepper flakes when stirring the sauce for a gentle heat that complements the creamy flavors.