This Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is comfort food at its finest. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken bites paired with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta smothered in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce is the kind of dish that disappears quickly off the dinner table. It has just the right balance of richness, texture, and that satisfying home-cooked flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or need a hearty meal prep idea, this dish covers it all. The creamy Velveeta brings a smooth melt that clings to every curve of the pasta, while the garlic mozzarella sauce infuses the dish with layers of savory depth. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and destined to become a weeknight staple.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this flavorful pasta dish together smoothly, you’ll want a few essential kitchen tools:

Large skillet or nonstick pan: Perfect for getting that golden sear on your chicken and building flavor for the sauce.
Large pot: Needed to boil the bowtie pasta evenly without overcrowding.
Mixing spoon or silicone spatula: Ensures even stirring without scraping or sticking.

Sharp knife and cutting board: For dicing chicken into bite-sized, even pieces.
Measuring cups/spoons: Precision helps balance the cheesy richness with the garlic and herbs.

Having these tools ready will make cooking easier, faster, and cleaner, and it helps each component of the recipe come out perfectly textured and seasoned.

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

Each ingredient plays a flavorful role in making this dish shine:

Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta: Its ruffled edges hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, adding great texture to every bite.
Boneless Chicken Breast or Thighs: Provides juicy, protein-packed bites that are seared for flavor.

Velveeta Cheese: Melts into a creamy base, giving the dish its signature smooth, cheesy richness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that beloved stretchy, gooey texture and balances out the Velveeta with a mild creaminess.
Garlic (minced): Builds deep aromatic flavor in the sauce.

Heavy Cream or Half & Half: Brings richness and creaminess that melds everything together.
Butter: Helps cook the garlic and adds a glossy, indulgent layer to the sauce.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.

Italian Seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a blend of herbs.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning every layer.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A garnish that adds color and a burst of freshness.

How To Make the Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a minute.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Stir in chunks of Velveeta and shredded mozzarella until completely melted and smooth. Adjust with a splash of cream if needed for consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve warm, optionally with garlic bread or a side salad.

Serving and Storing This Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove when the sauce is at its creamiest and the chicken is perfectly tender. Serve it family-style on a large platter or dish it up individually with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella on top. For an extra touch, pair it with warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The sauce thickens as it cools, so the added liquid helps bring it back to its original creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of Velveeta?

If you’re not a fan of Velveeta, try using a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can! Cook everything as directed, then store it in the fridge. Reheat gently and stir in a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely. It’s a great time-saver! Just skip the searing step and add the shredded rotisserie chicken when mixing with the pasta and sauce.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s not the best for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Yes! Broccoli, spinach, or peas make great additions and blend well with the cheesy garlic sauce.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s not spicy at all. But if you want to turn up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the chicken.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this creamy Velveeta bowtie pasta, here are a few more pasta recipes from Life With Olivia that bring comfort and creativity to your table:

One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta with a smoky-sweet punch.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a baked comfort meal.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce that’s rich and herb-forward.

Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta if you’re craving bold flavors.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole packed with cheesy layers and family-size comfort.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Follow Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with Velveeta or swap it out? Did you sneak in any veggies or spice things up?

I always enjoy hearing how others put their own spin on it. Feel free to drop questions too—let’s make weeknight dinners easier for everyone!

Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—this Easy Velveeta Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce brings together golden-seared chicken, tender bowtie pasta, and a velvety cheese sauce loaded with garlic and herbs. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a weeknight comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Lower the heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute. Stir in Velveeta cubes and shredded mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.

5. Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Let simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.