Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

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Have you ever craved a dinner that wraps you in creamy comfort while still delivering bold, satisfying flavors? This Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is your ticket to just that. Tender, seasoned chicken meets perfectly al dente bowtie pasta, all draped in a rich mozzarella and Velveeta cheese garlic sauce that hugs every bite.

This dish takes weeknight dinners to another level. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or meal-prepping for your week, it’s packed with cheesy goodness and savory depth. The textures—from the slight bite of bowtie pasta to the juicy sear on chicken—make this more than just another pasta night.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the rich sauce and golden-browned chicken, gathering your tools will make everything flow smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Crucial for searing the chicken evenly and achieving that delicious caramelization.
  • Large Pot: To cook the bowtie pasta just right. Size matters—crowding the pot can lead to sticky pasta.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These will help mix the cheese sauce without scratching your cookware.
  • Grater: Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded options.
  • Tongs: For flipping chicken pieces without losing their sear.

Having everything within arm’s reach helps keep your sauce silky, your chicken juicy, and your pasta perfectly timed.


Ingredients for the Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Each ingredient here brings essential flavor and texture, creating that indulgent balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying.

  • Chicken Breast – Lean, juicy, and perfect for searing to golden brown.
  • Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta – Its shape holds onto the cheesy garlic sauce like a charm.
  • Velveeta Cheese – This processed cheese melts into a smooth, rich sauce with minimal effort.
  • Mozzarella Cheese – Adds that classic stretch and depth of dairy goodness.
  • Garlic (Freshly Minced) – The aromatic base that builds flavor fast.
  • Butter – Helps sauté the garlic and adds a creamy finish to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce its silky, luxurious body.
  • Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasoning, but absolutely essential.
  • Paprika (Optional) – For a gentle heat and color boost on the chicken.
  • Fresh Parsley – For a pop of color and herbaceous finish.
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How To Make the Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breast chunks with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil, then sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a large pot of salted water, cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly melt in Velveeta cubes, followed by shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until evenly coated, adding pasta water as needed to thin the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan and mix well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta before serving. Add more black pepper to taste if desired.


Serving and Storing This Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Serve this pasta hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. The cheesy sauce thickens as it cools, so serving it warm makes for the best texture and flavor.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can break the creamy texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells also work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

Is Velveeta necessary?

Velveeta makes the sauce extra smooth and creamy, but you can swap it for cream cheese or additional mozzarella with a touch of Parmesan if needed.

How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic sauce. You can also season the chicken with Cajun or chili powder.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and pasta ahead, but it’s best to make the sauce fresh. Reheating the full dish may cause the sauce to thicken or separate.

What protein alternatives can I use?

Grilled shrimp or sautéed mushrooms make delicious alternatives to chicken if you’re looking for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

It’s not ideal. The cheese sauce may become grainy when frozen and reheated, so it’s better enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.


Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving creamy comfort dishes, you might want to try my Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta next—it offers a heartier beefy twist with the same pasta shape you love.

Or dive into the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, where spice meets cheese in a beautiful balance of flavor and heat.

Looking for a slower, more hands-off dinner? My Crockpot Mac and Cheese lets Velveeta shine in the most indulgent way.

You might also enjoy the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni—loaded with savory garlic sausage and silky Alfredo.

And don’t miss out on the Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, another luscious, creamy meal that’s as romantic as it is delicious.


Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you give it a go, I’d love to hear your twist. Did you add extra garlic? Swap out the chicken? Let me know in the comments!

And for more cheesy pasta dishes and family-style dinners, you can follow my daily recipe shares on Pinterest @LadyPlate.


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Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce


  • Author: Julia Koch
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that brings together juicy pan-seared chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a luscious cheese sauce infused with garlic. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this family-favorite recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.


Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts

3 cups bowtie pasta (uncooked)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cut into bite-sized chunks.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

4. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

5. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.

6. Add Velveeta cheese cubes and stir until melted.

7. Mix in shredded mozzarella until smooth and creamy.

8. Toss in the cooked pasta and add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

9. Return the chicken to the pan and combine well.

10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra black pepper if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.

Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente texture holds up best in the sauce.

Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, Velveeta pasta, chicken pasta, garlic mozzarella pasta

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