If you’re searching for a dish that brings together comfort and flavor in one irresistible bowl, look no further than this Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe. This meal is beautifully rich yet surprisingly easy to prepare, combining tender chicken, luscious melted Velveeta cheese, and the smooth silkiness of mozzarella woven through perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it an exceptional choice for weeknight dinners or whenever you want to impress with something truly satisfying without too much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Each one plays a key role: the chicken provides hearty protein, the bowtie pasta offers the perfect shape to hold creamy sauce, and the cheeses bring the dish’s signature indulgence and melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 2 large chicken breasts, cubed: Tender protein, seasoned and seared to juicy perfection.
- 12 oz bowtie pasta: Fun, sturdy noodles that grab onto every bit of sauce.
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed: Known for its ultra-creamy melt, it’s the star of the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a milky stretchiness and richness to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Bursts of flavor that elevate the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 3 tbsp butter: Creates a luscious base for sautéing garlic and enriching the sauce.
- 1 cup milk or cream: Smooths out the cheese into the perfect velvety texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing chicken to a flavorful golden crust.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings herby undertones for that classic Italian-inspired taste.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): Offers a bright, fresh finish to each serving.
How to Make Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning so every piece bursts with flavor once cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken cubes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside—this way, you’ll keep the juicy texture intact.
Step 3: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Don’t forget to save one cup of the pasta water before draining—that little trick can rescue the sauce’s consistency later if it gets too thick.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn but releases its amazing aroma to build the sauce’s flavor foundation.
Step 5: Create the Velveeta Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the Velveeta cheese cubes along with the milk or cream. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The magic of this step lies in combining cheese and cream to get that signature velvety texture.
Step 6: Incorporate Mozzarella
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture and stir until it’s fully melted and blended in. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water to reach the ideal silky consistency that will cling perfectly to your noodles.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce
Return the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat each piece evenly in the luscious garlic cheese sauce. Then fold in the golden chicken cubes and warm everything together for a few minutes so flavors meld into pure comfort food bliss.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish off by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for a splash of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately while everything is warm, melty, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond fresh parsley, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a little extra shredded mozzarella right before serving for that ooey-gooey appeal. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also add richness and a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, such as a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, which contrast nicely with the creamy richness. Garlic bread on the side is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for savoring every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Immerse guests in an elegant experience by serving the pasta in shallow bowls and garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens. Alternatively, offer it in individual ramekins topped with extra mozzarella and broil for a golden cheesy crust. Presentation can make this everyday favorite feel a little fancy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better the next day but make sure to keep it tightly sealed to maintain creaminess.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to store the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken to preserve texture. Use sturdy freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for optimum flavor and quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water as needed to restore the creamy sauce consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent drying out or curdling the cheese sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Absolutely! While Velveeta’s creamy melt is key to achieving the signature texture of this dish, you can substitute with processed cheese for a similar effect or use a combination of cream cheese and cheddar—but expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or crispy tofu cubes to keep the protein and texture balance intact while keeping everything deliciously creamy.
Can I use whole milk instead of cream?
You can. Whole milk will make the sauce lighter, though less rich. For the creamiest results, mixing milk with a bit of cream or using half-and-half works best if you want a balance between health and indulgence.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or clumpy?
Reserving pasta water and adding it gradually to your sauce helps loosen it up and prevents clumping. Also, melt cheeses over low heat and stir constantly to ensure smoothness throughout cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a gathering?
Definitely! Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, cook the pasta just before serving, and combine quickly. This keeps everything fresh and creamy, making entertaining stress-free and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about the creamy, cheesy warmth of this Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready in just about 30 minutes but offering a richness and flavor that feels like a meal made with endless love. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as comforting and delightful as I do. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and creamy Chicken Velveeta Bowtie Pasta featuring tender chicken cubes sautéed to perfection and tossed in a luscious mozzarella garlic sauce. This comforting 30-minute meal combines the smooth Velveeta cheese with melted mozzarella and garlic butter sauce for a deliciously indulgent dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- Salt (for pasta water, as needed)
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Reserved 1 cup pasta water (optional, for sauce consistency)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook them until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the milk or cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the Velveeta is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Mozzarella: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it fully melts and integrates into the sauce, creating a creamy, gooey texture. Adjust the sauce’s thickness by adding some reserved pasta water gradually if it seems too thick.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the cheese sauce and toss well to coat every piece. Gently fold in the cooked chicken cubes and heat everything through for a couple of minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using cream instead of milk will make the sauce richer and creamier.
- Reserved pasta water helps in adjusting the sauce consistency to be more silky and smooth.
- Fresh garlic is key to infusing the sauce with the best flavor—avoid pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cheese sauce.
