Imagine tender, juicy chicken bites seared to perfection, paired with bowtie pasta coated in a luxuriously creamy Velveeta cheese sauce enriched with mozzarella and garlic. This dish is a comfort food masterpiece, combining velvety textures and savory flavors in every forkful.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or need a quick but impressive weeknight meal, this pasta delivers on taste and presentation. The golden sear on the chicken adds a satisfying bite, while the garlic-infused cheesy sauce clings to each bowtie, making every mouthful irresistibly rich.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is the perfect choice here because its shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you that cheesy goodness in every bite. You can substitute with penne or rotini, but the charming bowtie shape makes the presentation extra appealing.
Ingredients for the Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Chicken breast – Lean protein that soaks up the seasonings and pairs perfectly with creamy pasta.
- Bowtie pasta – Holds onto the cheesy garlic sauce for perfect bites.
- Velveeta cheese – Melts into a smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese – Adds stretchy, gooey texture and a subtle milky flavor.
- Garlic – Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic depth.
- Butter – Helps sauté the garlic and adds richness to the sauce.
- Milk or cream – Thins the cheese to a silky consistency.
- Olive oil – For searing the chicken to a golden crust.
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning – Enhance the flavor of both the chicken and sauce.


How To Make the Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Lower the heat, then stir in cubed Velveeta cheese and a splash of milk or cream. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella
Once the Velveeta has melted, sprinkle in shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and combined. Adjust the sauce thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. Return the chicken to the skillet and fold it into the cheesy pasta. Let it warm through for 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and chicken, then garnish with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of mozzarella for a final touch of indulgence.
Serving and Storing Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Serve this dish hot, ideally with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. The creamy sauce thickens as it cools, so enjoy it fresh for the best texture. For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this pasta spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it to the sauce at the end to warm through, but freshly cooked chicken adds more flavor.
What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
You can use cream cheese or a blend of cheddar and American cheese, though the texture will be slightly different.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming grainy?
Use low heat when melting the cheese and stir constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Freezing is not recommended as creamy cheese sauces can separate upon thawing.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, use reduced-fat cheeses and milk instead of cream for a lighter option.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Cheesy Twist?
If you love this Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta, you’ll also enjoy these flavorful dishes from my kitchen:
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for an ultra-rich and tangy spin.
- Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce if you want to swap chicken for savory beef.
- One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac for a little kick with your creamy pasta.
- Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta when you’re craving a classic Italian-American flavor profile.
- Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta for a sweet-meets-savory twist.
For even more comfort food inspiration, visit my Pinterest Life with Nina page where I share delicious recipes daily.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra garlic? Did you mix in a different cheese blend?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.


Chicken Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
Tender, golden-seared chicken bites paired with bowtie pasta in a luxuriously creamy Velveeta and mozzarella garlic sauce. This easy comfort dish is rich, cheesy, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cubed
12 oz bowtie pasta
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter
1 cup milk or cream
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Lower heat, add cubed Velveeta and milk or cream. Stir until melted and smooth.
6. Add shredded mozzarella and stir until fully incorporated. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat, and fold in the chicken. Warm through.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra heat, add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting quality.
If reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy Velveeta pasta, mozzarella garlic sauce
