why make this recipe
This dish is creamy, quick, and full of flavor. It uses Velveeta and mozzarella for a smooth sauce that kids and adults like. You can make it on a weeknight and still feel like you made something special.
introduction
This pasta mixes tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a cheesy garlic sauce. The sauce melts easily and coats the pasta well. If you like creamy garlic pasta, try the similar creamy garlic parmesan chicken linguine for another easy dinner idea.
how to make Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Follow simple steps: cook the pasta, sear the chicken, make the Velveeta-mozzarella garlic sauce, and toss everything together. Use the reserved pasta water to get the sauce to the right thickness. Keep heat low when adding the cheeses so the sauce stays smooth.
Ingredients :
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
- A drizzle of garlic butter (optional, for garnish)
Directions :
- Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Pat chicken strips dry, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Velveeta Mozzarella Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30–45 seconds). Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Velveeta cubes and whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until creamy and velvety. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Pasta & Chicken: Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Fold in the cooked chicken strips. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Serve & Garnish: Plate the creamy Velveeta bowtie pasta, top with extra Parmesan and parsley. Optional drizzle of garlic butter over the top adds extra richness.
how to serve Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Serve hot on plates or in a large bowl. Add extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top. A side salad or steamed vegetables balance the rich sauce. If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at the table.
how to store Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Cool the pasta to room temperature no more than two hours after cooking. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze, as the cream and cheese may change texture.
tips to make Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Cut chicken into even strips so it cooks the same time.
- Use medium heat when melting cheeses to keep sauce smooth.
- Save some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.
- For a lighter version, swap half-and-half for heavy cream.
- For another creamy pasta idea with a different spice, see this creamy cajun chicken rotini recipe for inspiration.
variation (if any)
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more vegetables.
- Use rotini, penne, or rigatoni instead of bowtie pasta.
- Swap Velveeta for cream cheese and extra mozzarella for a less processed option.
- Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Add pre-cooked chicken to the sauce at the end to warm through for a faster meal.
Q: What if my sauce is too thick?
A: Stir in a little reserved pasta water or milk until you get the texture you want.
Q: Can I make this without Velveeta?
A: Yes. Use cream cheese with extra mozzarella and Parmesan, and heat slowly until smooth.
Q: How long does the dish take?
A: About 25–35 minutes from start to finish if you cook pasta and chicken at the same time.
Q: Is this freezer friendly?
A: Not recommended. Cream and cheese can separate when frozen and thawed.
Conclusion
This Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce makes a quick, comforting meal with simple steps and common ingredients. For another cheesy, one-pot pasta video idea, try One Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta (VIDEO) – Kylee Cooks.
Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Pat chicken strips dry, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30–45 seconds).
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Velveeta cubes and whisk until melted and smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until creamy and velvety. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Fold in the cooked chicken strips. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Plate the creamy Velveeta bowtie pasta, top with extra Parmesan and parsley.
- Optional drizzle of garlic butter over the top adds extra richness.