Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce

Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick chunks; 10 oz bowtie pasta; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional); Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Warm, comforting, and richly satisfying, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce brings together tender, seasoned chicken and pillowy farfalle in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce. The aroma of garlic and butter fills the kitchen as Velveeta and mozzarella melt into silky heavy cream, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nutty finish. The bowtie pasta soaks up the sauce between its folds, giving every bite a perfect balance of creamy texture and tender chicken chunks with a slight Cajun kick. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but indulgent, for feeding guests who love comfort food, or for a cozy weekend meal. If you enjoy cheesy pasta dishes with bold flavor, you may also like these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a handheld version of the same flavors Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather everything below so the cooking process is smooth.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick chunks — chicken provides the protein and heartiness for the dish.
10 oz bowtie pasta — farfalle holds sauce well in its creases and creates nice texture.
2 cups heavy cream — creates the rich, silky base of the sauce.
1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese — melts smoothly for that creamy, slightly processed cheesiness.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese — adds stretch and mild creaminess.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese — brings salty, nutty depth and brightness.
4 garlic cloves, minced — for aromatic savory flavor that complements butter and cheese.
2 tbsp olive oil — used to sear the chicken and prevent sticking.
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided — adds richness and a buttery flavor to the sauce and chicken.
1 tsp onion powder — a background savory note to boost flavor.
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning — provides a warm, smoky spice to the chicken.
1 tsp Italian seasoning — herbs add balance and Mediterranean notes.
Salt and black pepper to taste — essential for seasoning and highlighting flavors.
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional) — helps loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish — adds color and a fresh herb finish.

Note: For a similar bowtie and beef combination, this garlic butter beef and bowtie pasta recipe is a great alternative garlic butter beef and bowtie pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water. Tip: Reserve the pasta water before draining so you can adjust the sauce texture later.
Season the chicken. While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken chunks dry with paper towels and season evenly with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Sear the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook without crowding until golden brown on the first side, then flip and cook until cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure good browning.
Sauté the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the skillet, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Make the cream sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Combine pasta and chicken. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, mixing well so the pasta is fully coated with the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Adjust and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. For a slightly different buttery flavor profile try the cowboy butter chicken pasta technique used here cowboy butter chicken pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: approximately 1,310 per serving

Tips, Storage and Variations

Small practical tips:
- Cut the chicken into even-sized chunks so they cook uniformly.
- Keep cheese shredded ahead of time to ensure quick melting into the hot cream.
- Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce instead of adding extra cream.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.
Freezing:
- You can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months, though texture may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Flavor variations using only the existing ingredients:
- For spicier flavor, increase the Cajun seasoning when seasoning the chicken.
- For a cheesier finish, stir in extra mozzarella or Parmesan just before serving.
- For a lighter sauce texture, reduce the cream slightly and use a bit more reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
- For a more herby profile, increase the Italian seasoning and sprinkle extra parsley on top.
For another creamy chicken and pasta take try this rotisserie chicken and broccoli version for inspiration creamy rotisserie chicken and broccoli pasta.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use another pasta shape if I do not have bowtie pasta?
A1: Yes. Use any short pasta such as penne or rotini; cooking time may vary slightly.

Q2: Is Velveeta necessary for this sauce?
A2: Velveeta helps create a smooth, creamy texture, but you can rely more on mozzarella and Parmesan if preferred.

Q3: How can I prevent the sauce from separating?
A3: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer and stir constantly while melting the cheeses into the warm cream.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower fat?
A4: This recipe uses heavy cream and multiple cheeses, so substitutions would require different ingredients and are not covered here.

Q5: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A5: Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear, or when pieces are no longer pink inside.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that combines bold seasoning, rich cheeses, and tender chicken for maximum comfort. It comes together quickly and delivers silky texture, garlicky aroma, and satisfying depth in every bite. If you are curious to compare a slightly different bowtie and garlic butter pairing, check out Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta – Healthy By Fork. For another creamy farfalle sauce worth exploring, see this take on a lemon butter pasta at Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce Over Farfalle Pasta – Ramshackle Pantry. Please try the recipe, leave a comment about how it turned out, and share a photo if you like. Enjoy a warm, cheesy meal with good company.