Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Save this recipe on:

Golden, juicy chicken bites seasoned to perfection, paired with tender bowtie pasta smothered in a velvety garlic mozzarella sauce—this dish is the kind of comfort food that hugs your taste buds. The melted Velveeta gives the sauce a creamy, almost indulgent texture that clings to every bite of pasta, while the garlic and herbs balance everything with bold, aromatic flair.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner night, this Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce delivers satisfaction on every level. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, rich enough for a weekend treat, and sure to become a go-to recipe when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

---

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

• Quick and Comforting: Takes under an hour but tastes like you spent all day on it.
• One Plate, Full Flavor: Creamy, cheesy pasta meets perfectly spiced chicken—no side dish required (though you’ll want one).
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist cheesy pasta and flavorful chicken.
• Great for Leftovers: This reheats beautifully and makes a killer lunch the next day.
• Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp or throw in roasted veggies for variation.

---

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

Before diving into this creamy, dreamy chicken and pasta combo, it’s important to have the right tools at your fingertips. Not only will they streamline your cooking process, but they’ll also ensure each component—chicken, pasta, and sauce—cooks to perfection.

• Large Non-Stick Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: Ideal for getting a crisp, golden sear on the chicken without sticking or burning. The even heat distribution is key to perfectly cooked bites.
• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: You’ll need enough space to boil bowtie pasta evenly without sticking. A stockpot or deep saucepan works great here.
• Medium Saucepan: This will be used to build your creamy Velveeta garlic mozzarella sauce. A heavy-bottomed pan helps prevent scorching and allows for even melting.
• Colander: For draining your pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll be cubing chicken, chopping garlic, and maybe even prepping herbs—precision matters!
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy helps balance the creamy, cheesy flavor without overdoing it.
• Whisk: To create a smooth, lump-free sauce and evenly incorporate the cheeses.

---

Preparation Tips

• Pat Chicken Dry: Before seasoning and searing, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps you get that golden crust instead of steaming it.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step—it’s your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
• Shred the Mozzarella Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly it melts into your sauce.
• Low and Slow for the Sauce: Don’t rush melting Velveeta or mozzarella. Medium-low heat is your best friend to avoid grainy sauce.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will continue to soften slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, so you want it just firm enough when you drain it.

---

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

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this rich and savory dish to life. These ingredients are simple, but when combined, they make something incredibly comforting and flavorful.

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Pasta:

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

For the Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Velveeta Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• A pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
• Grated Parmesan for topping

---

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

---

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

---

Step 2: Boil the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually 10–12 minutes).
Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Set the pasta aside.

---

Step 3: Build the Garlic Mozzarella Velveeta Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—do not brown it.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened (2–3 minutes).
Add Velveeta and mozzarella, stirring until both are fully melted and the sauce is velvety.
Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt to taste. Add red pepper flakes if using.

---

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained bowtie pasta into the sauce. Stir well until the pasta is fully coated.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

---

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

On a serving plate or large dish, add the creamy pasta on one side and pile the golden chicken on the other.
Sprinkle with dried or fresh parsley and a little extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness.

---

Notes

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, boneless thighs provide a richer, juicier bite—especially when seared.
• Balance the Cheese: Velveeta gives the dish its signature creaminess, but mozzarella adds that stretchy, melty texture. Don’t skip either if you want that full cheesy effect.
• Make It Ahead-Friendly: You can prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Reheat gently and combine with freshly boiled pasta for a next-day win.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook fast. Watch closely to avoid drying them out—aim for a golden sear and remove from heat as soon as they’re done.
• Scorching the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast and burns even faster. Keep the heat moderate and stir continuously during the sauté phase.
• Clumpy Sauce: Always whisk the milk in gradually and melt the cheese slowly. Rushing the process can lead to a grainy or broken sauce.
• Not Reserving Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold! It helps loosen the sauce and binds it beautifully to the pasta.
• Undersalting the Pasta Water: Bland pasta = bland dish. Salt the water like the sea to season the noodles from within.
• Skipping the Resting Step: Let the finished dish rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. It helps everything meld together without drying out.
• Adding Cheese Too Fast: If you dump all the cheese in at once, it may clump. Add in small handfuls and stir each time until melted.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Al dente is the way to go—especially since the hot sauce continues to soften it slightly after mixing.

---

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

Creamy, cheesy, and rich—this pasta is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes the experience to another level. Go for fresh, crisp, or lightly acidic options to balance the creaminess of the dish.

---

8 Great Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
   Classic and always a hit. The garlicky crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta, and you’ll want something to scoop up that leftover sauce.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine, parmesan, and a zesty Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese sauce.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts
   A little char on green veggies adds depth and balances out the creamy, cheesy flavor profile.
4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze work beautifully as a light and vibrant side.
5. Sauteed Green Beans with Lemon
   These bring a bit of brightness and texture without overpowering the main dish.
6. Tomato Basil Soup
   If you’re in the mood for extra comfort, a light tomato soup with fresh basil can complement the garlic and cheese beautifully.
7. Grilled Asparagus
   Simply grilled with olive oil and sea salt, asparagus adds a welcome earthy note that plays well with pasta dishes.
8. Sparkling Water with Lemon or a Light White Wine
   Balance the richness with something crisp and palate-cleansing like a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or citrusy sparkling water.

---

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Good news: this pasta holds up well for a day or two and makes a fantastic reheat meal. Here’s how to store and enjoy it later without losing flavor or texture.

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the chicken separate if you haven’t mixed it all in.
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of milk. Cover loosely and heat in 45-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The creamy Velveeta and mozzarella sauce may separate and turn grainy when thawed and reheated.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving — based on 6 servings)

Note: Values may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.

• Calories: ~580 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 820mg

This recipe packs in protein and is satisfying enough for a full meal, but it’s definitely a comfort dish—great for those “treat yourself” kind of nights.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or shells all work well since they hold onto the creamy sauce. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti—they won’t catch the sauce as effectively.

---

2. What’s the best chicken cut for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner and cook faster.

---

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted zucchini, or spinach for texture and heartiness.

---

4. Is Velveeta necessary?

Velveeta is what gives the sauce that ultra-creamy, smooth finish. If you substitute it, use a processed cheese alternative or increase the mozzarella and add a splash of cream.

---

5. Can I make it spicier?

Definitely. Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with cayenne or chili powder for extra heat.

---

6. How do I keep the sauce from becoming grainy?

Use medium-low heat and melt the cheese slowly. Stir constantly and avoid overheating the dairy base.

---

7. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Double all ingredients and cook in batches if needed—especially the chicken—to avoid overcrowding the pan.

---

8. What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water. Microwave works too, but stir between intervals to keep the sauce smooth.

---

Conclusion

Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table—fast. It’s hearty, rich, and bursting with flavor, yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. With tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a sauce that’s basically liquid gold, this dish earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re serving it fresh or enjoying it the next day, it’s the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: