Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is comfort food at its finest—decadent, creamy, and completely satisfying. Juicy, seared chicken breast chunks are seasoned to perfection and paired with tender bowtie pasta that’s smothered in a silky garlic mozzarella sauce, made even richer with melty Velveeta cheese. Every bite is packed with savory flavor, from the crispy golden crust of the chicken to the creamy, cheesy coating on each pasta fold.

It’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re making it for a laid-back family dinner, a quick weeknight indulgence, or a dish to impress guests without much effort, this recipe delivers big flavor without complicated steps. It’s quick, hearty, and hits the sweet spot between cozy and crave-worthy.

---

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

• Incredibly easy: Made with pantry staples and done in under an hour.
• Flavor explosion: Garlicky, cheesy, buttery sauce with seasoned chicken that complements the pasta perfectly.
• Kid-friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and not too spicy—this is a guaranteed win with even the picky eaters.
• Perfect for meal prep: Makes great leftovers that reheat beautifully.
• Versatile: Use different pasta shapes or even rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.

---

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

Before diving into the magic of this creamy Velveeta chicken bowtie pasta, it’s important to get your tools lined up for a smooth, stress-free cooking experience. This dish is simple, but using the right equipment ensures each component turns out just right—from perfectly browned chicken to silky, lump-free cheese sauce.

Essential Tools:

• Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: This is crucial for searing the chicken to a golden, flavorful crust while locking in its juiciness. Cast iron is especially good at retaining and distributing heat evenly.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling your bowtie (farfalle) pasta to al dente perfection.
• Colander: For draining the pasta without losing any of those delicious little bowtie shapes.
• Whisk: Helps you blend the Velveeta, mozzarella, and garlic into a smooth, creamy sauce without clumps.
• Tongs or Spatula: Useful for flipping the chicken chunks without tearing the meat or losing that sear.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For prepping the chicken into bite-sized, even pieces for even cooking.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters when balancing cheese, cream, and garlic.

---

Preparation Tips

• Cut Chicken Evenly: This helps ensure uniform cooking and prevents dry or undercooked pieces. Aim for 1 to 1.5-inch chunks.
• Season Generously: The chicken is the flavor base—don’t hold back on salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little smoked paprika for depth.
• Use Salted Pasta Water: Think of pasta water as your first chance to season the noodles—add a good tablespoon of salt to your boiling water.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, scoop out ½ cup of that starchy water. It can help loosen and bind the sauce if needed.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Go for al dente, since the pasta will sit in the hot sauce and continue to soften a bit.
• Low Heat for the Cheese Sauce: Melting cheese too fast or on high heat can make it gritty. Keep it low and stir patiently.

---

Ingredients for This Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this ultra-satisfying, cheesy pasta dish. These ingredients are easy to find and likely already in your kitchen!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1–1.5-inch chunks)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• Salt for boiling water

For the Garlic Mozzarella Velveeta Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed (about 6 oz)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional:

• Crushed red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
• Reserved pasta water (up to ½ cup, if sauce needs thinning)

---

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, toss your chicken chunks with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove from heat and set aside on a plate. Keep warm.

---

Step 2: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions (usually 10–11 minutes).
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

---

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Velveeta Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken (don’t clean it—those leftover bits add flavor), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream, stir gently, and reduce heat to low.
Add the Velveeta cubes and mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

---

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Add black pepper and Italian seasoning.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (a pinch of salt or more garlic powder works great).

---

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
Fold in the seared chicken chunks. Let everything sit together on low heat for 1–2 minutes so the flavors marry.

---

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Transfer the creamy chicken pasta to a serving platter or individual plates.
Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated parmesan on top for extra richness.
Serve warm and enjoy the melty, garlicky goodness.

---

Notes

• Velveeta melts like magic: Unlike other cheeses, Velveeta gives this sauce its signature smooth, creamy texture. It blends effortlessly and doesn’t separate, making it ideal for this dish.
• Use fresh garlic if possible: Freshly minced garlic adds a deeper, richer flavor to the sauce than garlic powder alone.
• Make it spicy: If you enjoy heat, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when seasoning the chicken or finishing the sauce.
• Go heavy on the garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of parmesan cheese really bring the dish to life visually and flavor-wise.
• Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Pressed for time? Shred rotisserie chicken and toss it in at the end with the pasta—just skip the searing step.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: Searing is key, but overdoing it dries the meat out. Remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through and golden on the outside.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic goes from golden to bitter in seconds. Cook it just until fragrant, then add the cream right away.
• Boiling pasta without salt: Always salt your pasta water—unsalted pasta can taste bland even with the best sauce.
• Rushing the cheese sauce: Melt the cheese on low heat to prevent grainy, oily texture. Be patient and stir gently.
• Not reserving pasta water: That starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce thickness later. Don’t forget to scoop some out before draining!
• Crowding the pan: When searing the chicken, give it space. If it steams instead of sears, you’ll lose that flavorful browning.
• Using low-fat substitutes: Don’t swap out heavy cream or Velveeta for lighter versions—they won’t deliver the same richness or melt as well.
• Letting the pasta sit too long: Once combined with the sauce, serve immediately. Cream sauces can thicken or dry out if left too long on heat or out at room temp.

---

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

This rich, cheesy pasta is a meal in itself, but pairing it with something fresh, crunchy, or light can round out your table beautifully. Here are eight delicious ideas to serve alongside your pasta to elevate the entire meal.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Toast

Nothing sops up that luscious sauce better than warm, crispy garlic bread. Bonus points if it’s homemade with herbs and butter.

2. Crisp Caesar Salad

The cool crunch of romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and shaved parmesan offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

3. Steamed Broccoli

A simple, no-fuss veggie side that pairs perfectly. Add a pinch of lemon zest or a sprinkle of parmesan to tie it to the dish.

4. Roasted Asparagus

Lightly roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper—its earthy flavor balances the richness of the cheese sauce.

5. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

Crunchy green beans tossed with slivered almonds bring texture and color to the plate without overpowering the pasta.

6. Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze match beautifully with the garlicky mozzarella in the pasta.

7. Pan-Seared Zucchini or Squash

Quick and healthy, these veggies bring a soft, mild flavor that plays nicely with the boldness of Velveeta and garlic.

8. Sparkling Water or Lemonade

For drinks, something crisp and refreshing like citrusy lemonade or fizzy sparkling water cuts through the richness of the dish.

---

Storage Instructions

Creamy pasta dishes like this Velveeta chicken bowtie pasta store quite well, especially if you plan ahead. Here’s how to keep leftovers tasting as good as day one:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of milk or a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as it may thicken in the fridge.
• Freezing (Not Recommended): Due to the creamy cheese-based sauce, freezing can cause texture separation and graininess. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.
• Meal Prep Tip: If prepping ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately when possible and combine just before serving for best texture.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Note: These values are approximate and based on a serving size of 1.5 cups. Adjustments may vary depending on specific brands or ingredient substitutions.

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Yield: 4–5 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Keywords: creamy pasta, Velveeta chicken, easy dinner, cheesy bowtie pasta

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of bowtie?

Yes! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) is great for holding onto the creamy sauce, penne, rotini, or shells work just as well. Use what you have on hand.

---

2. What can I substitute for Velveeta?

If you don’t have Velveeta, you can use American cheese or even cream cheese in a pinch. However, the texture may not be as silky smooth, and the flavor will differ slightly.

---

3. Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s not spicy by default. But if you like heat, you can easily add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or sauce.

---

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead and store them separately. Assemble and reheat with sauce just before serving for best results.

---

5. How do I make the sauce thinner or thicker?

If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk. If it’s too thin, stir in more mozzarella or Velveeta until you reach the desired consistency.

---

6. What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Shrimp, turkey, or even Italian sausage would work beautifully. For a vegetarian version, try sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.

---

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Spinach, broccoli florets, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas can be added during the final mixing stage to add color and nutrition.

---

8. Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written. But you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta and ensuring the Velveeta and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

---

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the ultimate weeknight winner—fast, flavorful, and soul-satisfying. From the juicy seasoned chicken to the rich and velvety sauce, it checks all the comfort food boxes without complicated steps or long cooking times. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and makes leftovers feel like a bonus, not an afterthought.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or laying out a casual weekend feast, this pasta brings warmth, richness, and cheesy garlic goodness with every bite. Quick to make, easy to love, and hard to mess up—exactly what dinner should be.

---

Print