Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

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Golden-seared, herb-seasoned chicken bites rest atop a bed of tender bowtie pasta, generously coated in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce made with melted Velveeta and a touch of mozzarella. This dish is the perfect marriage of comfort and bold flavor—a creamy, cheesy, savory explosion that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The chicken is perfectly spiced and pan-fried to a golden finish, offering a juicy bite that balances the silky pasta beautifully.

Whether you’re looking to wow guests at a dinner gathering or just want to treat yourself to a flavorful, filling weeknight meal, this recipe delivers. It’s not only satisfying but incredibly easy to prepare. The sauce is indulgent yet smooth, clinging perfectly to every curve of the bowtie pasta. Combined with the garlic notes and cheese blend, the result is one of those dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

• Ultra Creamy Texture: The combination of Velveeta and mozzarella creates a luscious, melty sauce that hugs every bite.
• Bold Garlic Flavor: Garlic-infused cream gives this dish an aromatic punch that makes it unforgettable.
• Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Tender, juicy chunks of chicken are seared to perfection for a crispy edge and savory depth.
• Weeknight Friendly: Simple, minimal ingredients with a big reward—ideal for quick dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: Makes delicious leftovers that reheat like a dream.
• Kid-Approved: Cheesy, mild, and comforting enough to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile Pairing Options: Works well with salads, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.
• One-Skillet Magic: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance)

To bring out the best in this Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce, having the right tools on hand will streamline the cooking process and ensure the flavors are spot on.

Key Tools You’ll Need:

• Large Nonstick Skillet or Cast Iron Pan
  Crucial for searing the chicken to golden-brown perfection. A good sear locks in the juices and intensifies flavor.
• Medium to Large Saucepan
  Perfect for boiling your bowtie pasta evenly without sticking. Size matters—use a roomy pot so the pasta can move freely and cook consistently.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  Helps mix the cheese sauce without scratching your pan and ensures even melting.
• Whisk
  Essential when making the garlic cream sauce—helps you achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Tongs
  Makes turning and transferring chicken easier without losing the flavorful crust.
• Colander or Strainer
  For draining the pasta while preserving its texture. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water—great for loosening up the sauce if needed.

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Preparation Tips

• Pat the Chicken Dry: Always pat your chicken pieces with a paper towel before seasoning. Dry chicken browns better and gets that perfect sear.
• Season Generously: Use a well-balanced mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to coat the chicken for layered flavor.
• Undercook Pasta Slightly: Boil the bowtie pasta until just al dente. It will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavor without becoming mushy.
• Melt Cheese Slowly: Add Velveeta and mozzarella on low heat. Slow melting ensures the cheese stays silky and doesn’t turn gritty.
• Garlic Goes First: Sauté the garlic before adding cream or cheese—it unlocks its aromatic oils and sets the foundation for the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Add a splash to thin out your sauce if it thickens too quickly—it helps bind everything together beautifully.
• Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.

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Ingredients for Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this ultra-satisfying, cheesy pasta and chicken dish at home. The ingredients are simple, but each one plays a key role in delivering bold flavor and creamy comfort.

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• Water + 1 tsp salt (for boiling)

For the Creamy Cheese Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional, for extra depth)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional:

• Reserved pasta water (2–3 tbsp if needed to loosen sauce)
• Lemon zest (for a bright finish, optional)

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Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside—about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—those bits add flavor), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Once it starts to bubble gently, reduce the heat and add Velveeta cubes. Stir until melted and smooth.

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Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Seasoning

Stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Add crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the drained bowtie pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. Let it simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs all that cheesy garlic goodness.

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Step 6: Plate and Top with Chicken

Transfer the creamy bowtie pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Top generously with the seared chicken pieces. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

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Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while everything is creamy, hot, and melty. Enjoy the flavor combo of garlicky cheese, tender pasta, and juicy chicken in every bite.

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Notes

• Balance the Cheese: Velveeta adds creaminess while mozzarella brings stretch—together, they create a perfectly smooth and flavorful sauce. Don’t skip either unless substituting with a similar cheese.
• Customize the Spice: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or leave them out for a more mellow, kid-friendly version.
• Use the Fond: Don’t clean the skillet after cooking the chicken—those browned bits stuck to the pan are flavor gold and will deepen the sauce when deglazed with cream.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast dries out quickly. Sear just until golden and cooked through, then rest it to retain moisture.
• Adding Cheese to High Heat: Velveeta and mozzarella can separate or turn grainy if added to boiling cream. Always lower the heat before stirring in cheese.
• Skipping Pasta Water: That starchy liquid helps create a silkier, emulsified sauce. Even a couple of tablespoons can make a big difference.
• Undermixing the Sauce: Stir continuously while adding cheese to prevent clumps and ensure everything melts smoothly.
• Letting the Pasta Sit Too Long: If pasta sits too long before being added to the sauce, it can clump. Always mix it in while still warm and slightly wet.
• Using Pre-Shredded Mozzarella: It contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and makes the sauce smoother.
• Not Seasoning Layers: From the chicken to the sauce, seasoning at every stage builds a richer final flavor.
• Crowding the Pan When Searing: Give the chicken space or it’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.

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What to Serve With Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This rich and cheesy pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter, fresh, or contrasting sides to balance the flavors and textures. Whether you’re creating a full dinner spread or looking for simple companions, these suggestions round out the meal deliciously.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread with Herbs
   A crispy side of garlic bread is the perfect vehicle to scoop up any extra sauce. Use a mix of butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a sprinkle of parmesan for a crusty, golden finish.
2. Caesar Salad
   A chilled Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, shaved parmesan, and creamy dressing adds freshness and crispness to balance the creamy pasta.
3. Steamed Broccoli
   A simple steamed broccoli side adds color, nutrients, and a mildly bitter note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
4. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
   Oven-roasted asparagus drizzled with lemon juice offers a bright, earthy contrast to the cheesy garlic flavors.
5. Caprese Salad
   Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze makes for a cool, refreshing pairing that echoes the mozzarella in the pasta.
6. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
   Lightly sautéed spinach with olive oil and garlic complements the pasta and chicken without overpowering it.
7. Crispy Brussels Sprouts
   Roasted until caramelized, Brussels sprouts offer a crispy texture and slight bitterness that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
8. Sparkling Water with Lemon or Lime
   Not a food, but a palate cleanser! A citrusy drink helps refresh your taste buds between bites and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce store well and taste just as satisfying the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

• Refrigeration:
  Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing to prevent condensation buildup.
• Reheating Tips:
  Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. Microwave reheating also works—cover loosely and stir halfway through for even heating.
• Freezing (Not Ideal):
  Due to the cream and cheese in the sauce, freezing is not recommended. The texture may turn grainy or separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note these are approximate values and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 625 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 790mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (approx. 1 ½ cups)

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or fettuccine also work great. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds creamy sauces well.

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2. What if I don’t have Velveeta cheese?

You can substitute Velveeta with cream cheese or a mild cheddar, but note that the texture might be less smooth. Velveeta melts consistently and provides that signature velvety texture.

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3. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just cube or shred the cooked chicken and add it at the end to heat through. It’s a great time-saver, though you’ll miss out on the seared flavor.

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4. Is this recipe spicy?

Only mildly, thanks to the optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can omit them for a completely mild, kid-friendly version.

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5. How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and opt for a reduced-fat cheese blend. You can also add steamed veggies like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.

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6. Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables as a hearty meat-free option.

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7. What’s the best way to prevent clumpy cheese in the sauce?

Always melt the cheese over low heat, and stir constantly. Also, use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of bagged (pre-shredded) to prevent clumping.

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8. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the components—cook the chicken and boil the pasta ahead—but for best texture, combine everything fresh when serving. The sauce is creamiest when made just before serving.

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Conclusion

Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is the definition of cozy, crave-worthy comfort food. With juicy seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously smooth garlic cheese sauce, this dish brings indulgence and satisfaction to your dinner table without complex steps or fancy ingredients. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet flavorful enough to impress at any gathering.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just need a go-to comfort dish that checks every box—this creamy, garlicky pasta has you covered. Dig in and enjoy every melty, mouthwatering forkful.

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