If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich flavors, comforting textures, and a luscious creamy sauce, then this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine tender chicken breasts seasoned perfectly, nestled among al dente bowtie pasta and swimming in a dreamy blend of Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all elevated by the irresistible aroma of garlic and butter. This is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create a symphony of taste, texture, and color. Each element, from the creamy cheeses to the perfectly seasoned chicken, plays a vital role in giving this dish its signature richness and satisfying bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the vibrant seasonings beautifully.
- Bowtie pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto every bit of that creamy sauce in every forkful.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky, smooth base that melds all the flavors effortlessly.
- Velveeta cheese: Ensures an ultra-creamy, gooey texture that’s pure indulgence.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds a mild, melty stretchiness that complements the other cheeses.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty bite that brightens the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the butter with an irresistible, aromatic depth.
- Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper: A medley of spices that brings warmth, herbaceous notes, and a gentle kick.
- Olive oil and butter: A rich fat duo that offers the perfect cooking medium and flavor foundation.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions, making sure to get it perfectly al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside—this will be the comforting base for your creamy, cheesy sauce to cling to in the final dish.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry, then lavish them with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper to build that beautiful, flavorful crust. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter, and cook the chicken on medium heat until it achieves a gorgeous golden brown color on both sides. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest for a moment.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté just until the garlic becomes fragrant and beautifully golden, which releases all its sweet, savory goodness. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in your Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently but continuously to melt everything into a smooth, velvety sauce that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Return Chicken
Once your creamy sauce is ready, add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet. Stir well so every piece is coated thickly in that cheesy, garlicky sauce. Then place the chicken back in, letting it soak up some of that luscious sauce while also coating the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Allow everything to simmer together briefly—just a few minutes for the flavors to marry and the sauce to cling perfectly. Serve this masterpiece hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the simple star garnish here, adding a subtle freshness and vibrant green contrast against the rich, creamy sauce. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top will also elevate each bite with a salty, tangy finish that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This dish is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Both will cut through the richness and bring balance to your plate, making the experience even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party touch, serve the chicken whole over the pasta in individual shallow bowls, letting guests admire the gooey sauce and golden chicken. Or, for family-style meals, plate everything on a large platter with fresh herbs sprinkled liberally for an inviting, rustic look that encourages hearty sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce Recipe should be cooled to room temperature, then transferred into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining most of its creamy charm.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but take care to cool the dish completely before sealing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen portions are best eaten within 1 to 2 months to enjoy the sauce’s texture and flavors at their peak.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat to preserve the creamy texture, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can sometimes cause sauces to separate or dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, rotini, or even fettuccine would work well too. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente for the best texture.
What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If Velveeta isn’t available, you can use processed cheese or cream cheese for creaminess, but it might change the flavor slightly. For an all-natural alternative, try extra mozzarella and cheddar.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a gentle kick, but it’s not overwhelming. If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit it altogether.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness, but adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or cashew cream and dairy-free cheeses, and replace butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine. The flavor will be different but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce Recipe has quickly become a beloved go-to for those nights when you want something both comforting and indulgent without too much fuss. The magic lies in how simple ingredients combine to create layers of flavor that satisfy every craving. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be a staple in your recipe repertoire that everyone asks for again and again. So, grab your skillet and get ready to create a dish that feels like a big, warm hug from the inside out—your taste buds will thank you!
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta and Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is a decadent and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender seasoned chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a garlic butter sauce, then combined with creamy, melted cheeses and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. The rich sauce blends Velveeta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream for a luscious finish that’s both comforting and indulgent, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
Pasta and Sauce
- 10 oz bowtie pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season evenly with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Return Chicken and Finish Cooking: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the pasta and sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors and reheat the chicken.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the dish hot for a rich and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Velveeta cheese with processed cheese or increase mozzarella for a similar creamy texture.
- For a lighter version, reduce the heavy cream or substitute half with milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level or replace with paprika for a milder flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor results.
