Lorenzo Devereaux
If you’re looking for a dish that delivers on both comfort and flavor, this creamy bowtie pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With tender, juicy chicken bites paired with silky Velveeta cheese sauce and a luscious mozzarella garlic cream, it’s pure indulgence in every forkful. The bowtie pasta acts as the perfect little pockets for catching every bit of that cheesy goodness, while the golden-seared chicken adds savory depth.
Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or making it the star of your weekend gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes: rich, creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those meals where you’ll find yourself going back for seconds—and maybe thirds.
What Kind of Bowtie Pasta Should I Use?
For the best texture and sauce-holding power, choose a high-quality bowtie (farfalle) made from durum wheat. A slightly ridged or textured surface will help the creamy sauce cling to each piece. If you’re gluten-free, you can easily substitute with a gluten-free bowtie pasta—just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.
Ingredients for the Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Bowtie Pasta – The signature shape that holds onto creamy sauces beautifully.
- Chicken Breast – Lean protein that cooks up tender and juicy, perfect with the rich sauce.
- Velveeta Cheese – Melts into a smooth, creamy base for the pasta.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Adds stretchiness and extra cheesy indulgence.
- Garlic – Infuses the sauce with savory aroma and depth.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce.
- Butter – Enhances richness and flavor.
- Olive Oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Fresh Parsley – Brings brightness and a pop of color.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavors.
How To Make the Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear bite-sized pieces of chicken breast until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Velveeta Base
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella Garlic Layer
Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts, creating a stretchy, rich texture. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the cheesy garlic sauce.
Step 6: Serve with Garnish
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy every indulgent bite.
Serving and Storing Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
This pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and the cheese is still molten. Pair it with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce, and a crisp green salad for a fresh counterbalance. For a family-style dinner, serve it straight from the skillet for a warm, rustic presentation.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its silky consistency. Avoid microwaving on high as it can cause the sauce to separate.
What to Serve With Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
1. Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Warm, fluffy breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan.
2. Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons.
3. Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
Tender green beans roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a dusting of Parmesan.
4. Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
5. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A warm, velvety soup that complements the cheesy pasta beautifully.
6. Sauteed Zucchini with Garlic
Lightly cooked zucchini slices seasoned with garlic and olive oil.
7. Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and a touch of olive oil.
8. Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
Bright, zesty asparagus that adds freshness to a rich pasta dish.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Cheesy Twist?
If this Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta has you craving more comforting pasta dishes, try these favorites from our collection:
- Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta for a rich, garlicky indulgence.
- Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta if you like a hint of smokiness with your cheese.
- Ultimate Cajun Mozzarella Chicken Ranch Pasta for a flavorful, spiced-up twist.
- Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight when you want sweet, savory, and cheesy in one bowl.
- One-Pot Cheesy Mozzarella Cajun Steak Pasta Fest for a hearty, meaty pasta night.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever comfort food cravings strike.
I’d love to hear how yours turned out—did you add extra garlic, or maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat? Share your twists and tips in the comments so we can all make this pasta even better.
Explore more irresistible pasta and dinner recipes on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next cheesy obsession!
Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large Skillet
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Whisk
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1.5 cups shredded low‑moisture mozzarella
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water, as needed use as needed to loosen sauce
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fine sea salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente; reserve 0.5 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with part of the salt and pepper; sear 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter; when melted, sauté garlic 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream; when gently simmering, whisk in Velveeta until fully melted and smooth.
- Add mozzarella and whisk until glossy and stretchy. Season with remaining salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss in cooked pasta and chicken, loosening with splashes of reserved pasta water until sauce coats evenly.
- Finish with parsley and serve hot. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.