Description
Golden, garlicky, and smothered in cheese — this Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish. Tender bowtie pasta meets seasoned, juicy chicken and a smooth, indulgent garlic cream sauce made with Velveeta and mozzarella. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights and satisfying enough to serve at casual gatherings. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, easy pasta recipes, or family-friendly meals, this dish checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
12 oz bowtie pasta
water with 1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
6 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup grated parmesan optional
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
2 tbsp chopped parsley
reserved pasta water as needed
lemon zest optional
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Pat chicken dry. Toss with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower heat and stir in Velveeta cubes until melted and smooth.
6. Stir in mozzarella and mix until melted. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Use reserved pasta water to adjust thickness.
7. Add cooked bowtie pasta into the sauce and toss to coat. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
8. Top pasta with seared chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and parmesan if desired.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water—it helps create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
Always add cheese to the sauce on low heat to avoid separation or grainy texture.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded for a silkier finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy garlic sauce, Velveeta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, quick pasta meal