Ingredients
For the Pasta
12 ounces bowtie pasta
Water for boiling
1 teaspoon salt
For the Chicken
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
For the Mozzarella Cream Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra parmesan cheese
Cracked black pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Al dente pasta has a tender texture with a slight firmness in the center, which works best for creamy sauces.
After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes or thin strips.
Season the chicken evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning blend adds warmth and depth to the chicken and complements the garlic butter flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Making the Mozzarella Cream Sauce
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. The leftover flavors from the chicken in the pan will blend with the butter and garlic, creating a rich foundation for the sauce.
Step 5: Add Cream and Broth
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir gently. Then add the chicken broth.
Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes. This helps the flavors combine and slightly thickens the sauce.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese while stirring continuously.
Mozzarella melts smoothly into the cream, forming a silky sauce. Once the mozzarella is fully melted, add the grated parmesan cheese and stir again.
Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Combine Everything Together
Step 7: Add the Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the sauce.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the mozzarella cream sauce.
Allow the mixture to cook together for another two minutes so the flavors can blend.
Garnishing and Serving
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and freshness.
Add extra grated parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Serve the pasta warm while the sauce is creamy and the mozzarella still has its signature stretchy texture.
Flavor and Texture Experience
This dish offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors.
The bowtie pasta provides a tender yet slightly firm bite. The chicken is juicy and flavorful thanks to the garlic butter seasoning. The mozzarella cream sauce is smooth, rich, and comforting without being overly heavy.
Every forkful delivers creamy pasta, savory chicken, and the warm aroma of garlic and herbs.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Always cook pasta in well-salted water. This is the first opportunity to add flavor to the pasta itself.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and produces a better sauce texture.
Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to the sauce. High heat can cause the cheese to become stringy or separate.
If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, simply add a splash of warm milk or pasta water to restore the creamy consistency.
