Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce is pure comfort in a bowl. Tender chicken bites seared to golden brown meet pillowy bowtie pasta, all wrapped in a luxuriously creamy sauce made from heavy cream and a three-cheese blend. Expect rich, savory flavors with a gentle garlic aroma, a touch of Cajun heat on the chicken, and a silky mouthfeel from the Velveeta and cheeses. The texture contrast between the firm chicken and al dente pasta keeps every forkful interesting. This dish is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual date night, or when you want to bring a hearty crowd-pleaser to the table. If you enjoy bold, buttery sauces, you might also like this take on garlic butter beef with cheesy bowtie pasta for another family favorite.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
Helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly in bite-sized pieces.
10 oz bowtie pasta
Bowtie pasta holds the creamy sauce well and adds a pleasant chew.
2 cups heavy cream
Creates a rich, silky base for the sauce and helps melt the cheeses smoothly.
1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
Adds a smooth, creamy melt and subtly salty flavor for a silky texture.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Gives stretchy, mild cheesiness that balances the processed cheese.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Adds nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
4 garlic cloves, minced
Provides a bright, aromatic backbone to the sauce.
2 tbsp olive oil
Used to sear the chicken and add a hint of fruitiness.
4 tbsp unsalted butter
Adds richness to the pan and carries the garlic flavor.
1 tsp onion powder
Enhances savory notes without adding texture.
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Gives the chicken a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Brings herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Useful to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick while keeping starch for adhesion.
Fresh chopped parsley
Brightens the finished dish and adds a fresh color contrast.
For a related quick wrap idea, try these cheesy garlic chicken wraps using similar flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Tip: Salt the water well so the pasta has flavor from the inside out.
In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Ensure pieces are evenly coated.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Tip: Add pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach a silky texture without thinning the sauce too much.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Return the chicken and gently stir to combine. Simmer briefly to heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
For a buttery flavor twist similar to this dish, you may enjoy the method used in cowboy butter chicken pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 1,310 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

Practical tips
- Cut chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- If the sauce starts to separate, lower the heat and stir continuously until it comes back together.
- For a creamier final texture, stir in reserved pasta water sparingly.
Storage and freezing
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring to recombine the sauce.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
Flavor variations using existing ingredients only
- Increase Cajun seasoning for a spicier profile.
- Add more Parmesan for a sharper, nuttier finish.
- Stir in an extra tablespoon of butter at the end for a richer mouthfeel.
  For another creamy chicken and pasta idea, see this creamy rotisserie chicken and broccoli pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, any similar sized pasta like penne or rotini will work and hold the sauce well.

Q: Is Velveeta necessary?
A: Velveeta helps create a very smooth, creamy sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer a less processed profile.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
A: Keep the heat low when melting cheeses and stir constantly until smooth.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: This recipe relies heavily on dairy. It is not suitable for dairy-free substitution without replacing multiple ingredients.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly shredded melts best.

Conclusion

I hope this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce becomes a new weeknight favorite. The rich, garlicky sauce and tender chicken make it a satisfying dish that feels special but comes together easily. If you want similar inspiration or a lighter variation, check out this creamy take on Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta for another perspective, and for a bright, citrusy pasta sauce idea see the Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce Over Farfalle Pasta. Please try the recipe, leave a comment with your tweaks, and share a photo if you make it for friends and family. Enjoy a cozy, cheesy meal.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce

Print Recipe

A comforting blend of tender chicken and bowtie pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Author: amanda-lewis
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
10 oz bowtie pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Toss the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and salt and black pepper to taste in a bowl. Ensure pieces are evenly coated.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, cooking until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Return the chicken and gently stir to combine. Simmer briefly to heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.