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Indulgent Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken Bowties in Cheesy Cream

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A cozy, rich pasta dinner featuring tender chicken, garlic, and creamy cheeses, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

  • Author: daniel-kim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Season the chicken. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Stir to coat evenly. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make the cream base. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the cream warm and bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
  5. Add the Parmesan. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and forms a smooth sauce.
  6. Melt in the mozzarella. Add the shredded Mozzarella cheese in batches, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is silky. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece with the sauce. Heat together for 1 to 2 minutes.
  8. Finish and serve. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

Notes

Use reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce. Shred mozzarella from a block for the best texture. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition