Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken is a weeknight favorite that feels special enough for company. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a silky garlic butter cream sauce with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. The sauce clings to bowtie pasta for a comforting combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, with a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes and a bright finish from fresh parsley. Aromas of garlic and melted cheese fill the kitchen as it cooks, promising a satisfying, homey meal. Serve this when you want an easy but impressive dinner for family or friends, or make it for a cozy night in. For another variation of garlic butter chicken with pasta, see this related recipe that uses similar flavors and techniques: garlic butter chicken bowtie pasta inspiration.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Tender chicken bites that cook quickly and absorb the sauce flavors.
1/2 teaspoon salt
For seasoning the chicken and balancing the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Adds gentle heat and depth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A blend of dried herbs that complements garlic and cheese.
1 tablespoon olive oil
For pan-searing the chicken and developing a golden crust.
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Holds the creamy sauce well; cook until al dente per package directions.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Builds the rich garlic butter base of the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic gives bright aromatic flavor to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream
Creates a luscious, silky sauce that coats the pasta.
1/2 cup chicken broth
Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce as needed.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts into gooey, stretchy cheese for a comforting texture.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Adds nutty, salty complexity to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Optional, for a touch of heat.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Final seasoning adjustments.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Fresh herb garnish for color and brightness.

For more tips on ingredient amounts and similar recipes, you can reference this helpful guide: garlic butter chicken with bowtie pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
Tip: Reserve the pasta water to loosen the sauce later without watering down the flavor.
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, tossing to coat.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until golden, then stir and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes total. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet and melt. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, about 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until completely melted and the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs thinning.
Remove from heat, garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Enjoy while hot for the best texture and creamy consistency. For another creamy twist on garlic butter chicken, you may find inspiration here: a similar garlic butter chicken recipe.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 950 kcal per serving

For a lighter lemony take on a creamy chicken pasta that uses related techniques, see this recipe: lemon garlic butter chicken creamy Parmesan pasta.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tip: Drying the chicken before seasoning helps it brown better. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to keep the chicken from steaming.
Tip: Do not let the garlic brown when sautéing; it will turn bitter. Keep the heat at medium when adding garlic and butter.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
Freezing: This dish is best refrigerated rather than frozen because cream sauces can separate. If you must freeze, freeze components separately—chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly while whisking to recombine.
Flavor variations using only the listed ingredients: increase the Parmesan for a sharper, saltier bite; stir in extra mozzarella for a cheesier finish; add more crushed red pepper flakes to boost heat; or add extra garlic for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
For quick air fryer chicken tips using similar chicken breast methods, check this resource: air fryer lemon garlic chicken breast guide.

FAQ

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir constantly. Add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any pasta that holds sauce works well, but the recipe uses bowtie pasta as written.
Is it safe to use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly because it lacks anti-caking agents.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Cut a piece to check that it is no longer pink inside, or cook until it reaches 165°F if using a thermometer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the components ahead and briefly reheat them, but serve immediately after reheating for best texture.

Conclusion

This Mozzarella Garlic Butter Chicken is an easy, satisfying dish that combines tender seared chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and melted cheeses for a comforting meal any night of the week. If you enjoyed the flavors here, you might like this related baked version that highlights garlic and mozzarella in a simple format: Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Little Spice Jar. For a one-pan alternative that pairs balsamic and tomatoes with garlic and mozzarella, try this idea for a streamlined weeknight dinner: One Pan Balsamic Garlic Mozzarella Chicken and Tomatoes. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cozy, cheesy dish with loved ones.