Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken is a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal that feels special without a lot of fuss. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are seared until golden, then tossed with farfalle pasta in a silky garlic butter cream sauce studded with melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. The dish offers a rich, creamy mouthfeel with a satisfying pull from the cheese and a gentle heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Aromas of toasted garlic and butter fill the kitchen as it cooks, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or a simple date-night at home. If you enjoy cheesy chicken recipes, you might also like this take on stuffed wraps for a handheld option cheesy garlic chicken wraps.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces — use evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — for seasoning the chicken and the sauce as needed.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper — freshly ground for the best aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — a blend of dried herbs to add classic savory notes.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil — for searing the chicken and developing a golden crust.
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta — cooks to al dente and holds the creamy sauce well.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter — the base of the garlic butter sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives the sauce its fragrant backbone.
• 1 cup heavy cream — creates a rich, silky consistency in the sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth — adds savory depth and helps loosen the sauce.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese — melts into gooey, stretchy cheese throughout the pasta.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese — adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes — optional heat to brighten the richness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste — adjust seasoning at the end.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley — for a fresh, herbaceous finish.

If you like rich, cheesy bowtie pasta, check out a beefy version that uses similar techniques and textures in this recipe for garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 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 without watering down flavor.
2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Make sure each piece is evenly coated so every bite is seasoned.
3. 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. Stir occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Watch the garlic carefully so it does not burn.
5. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so it can begin to reduce and thicken.
6. Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with additional salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Tip: add pasta water a tablespoon at a time to maintain a silky coating.
8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving. If you prefer a slightly different butter technique, the searing and finishing approach is similar to this popular cowboy butter chicken pasta preparation cowboy butter chicken pasta.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 885 kcal per serving

This creamy profile pairs well with other garlic-forward sauces, similar in richness to a garlic butter steak and Parmesan cream style sauce garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce.

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces so they finish cooking at the same time.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
• Storage
  • Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce.
• Freezing
  • For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Variations using only the ingredients listed
  • Spicier: increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste for more heat.
  • Extra cheesy: stir in a bit more mozzarella or Parmesan for a richer texture.
  • Creamier: add a touch more heavy cream and warm through for a silkier sauce.
  • For a handheld night, the flavors work well folded into wraps similar to these cheesy garlic chicken wraps deliciously cheesy chicken garlic wraps.

FAQ
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini will work; adjust cooking time per the package.

Q: Is heavy cream necessary?
A: Heavy cream gives the sauce its silky texture, so it is recommended for best results.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Chicken pieces should be golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, or cut one piece to check it is no longer pink inside.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and stir constantly while adding cheese. Avoid boiling after cheese is added.

People Also Ask
Q: What is the best way to melt mozzarella without it becoming stringy?
A: Melt mozzarella slowly over low to medium heat while stirring to incorporate it evenly into the sauce.

Q: Can I substitute light cream or milk?
A: Substituting will thin the sauce and change texture; heavy cream is recommended for a rich sauce.

Q: Should I salt the pasta water?
A: Yes, salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside and improves overall flavor.

Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container when refrigerated promptly.

Q: Can I prepare the sauce without cheese and add it later?
A: You can, but the cheese helps thicken and flavor the sauce, so add it during the finishing step for best results.

Q: What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
A: Simple green salads, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread complement the richness of the dish.

Q: Is it better to use fresh or pre-shredded mozzarella?
A: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly; pre-shredded can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free bowtie pasta to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Try this Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken for a comforting, cheesy weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and impresses every time. If you want a baked alternative with a similar flavor profile, see the baked garlic butter chicken with mozzarella at Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar. For a bright, tomato-forward variation that still highlights garlic and mozzarella, consider the one pan balsamic garlic mozzarella chicken and tomatoes recipe at One Pan Balsamic Garlic Mozzarella Chicken and Tomatoes. Enjoy, and if you make it please share your photos and tweaks so others can try your version.