Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Dinner Comfort Dish

If you’ve been craving a cozy, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of comfort food that never fails to impress — juicy chicken bites tossed in a silky, garlicky butter sauce with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all finished with layers of cheese that melt into pure creamy goodness.

This dish is not only irresistibly flavorful, but it’s also easy enough for weeknights and elegant enough for dinner guests. It’s everything you love about a rich Alfredo-style meal, elevated by the bold kick of Cajun seasoning and the deep flavor of garlic butter.

I first fell in love with this recipe during one of those chilly evenings when I just wanted something indulgent and satisfying after a long day. It quickly became a family favorite — a recipe that brings everyone running to the dinner table the moment the aroma fills the kitchen. And now, it’s one of my go-to comfort dishes to share on my blog because it’s fast, flavorful, and practically foolproof.

This recipe comes straight from the heart, much like the stories I share on my About page. It’s about simple ingredients, bold flavors, and creating moments that taste like home.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

This meal checks all the boxes when it comes to comfort, convenience, and flavor. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

• Ultra Creamy and Cheesy: The blend of Velveeta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a smooth, rich sauce that clings perfectly to every bowtie.
• Flavor-Packed Chicken: Cajun and Italian seasonings, along with garlic butter, infuse every bite with irresistible flavor.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its restaurant-worthy taste, this recipe comes together in under 40 minutes — perfect for weeknights.
• Family Approved: Even picky eaters will love the buttery, cheesy sauce and tender chicken pieces.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with veggies, different cheeses, or a hint of spice to suit your family’s taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, toss lightly with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Once it starts to simmer, add the Velveeta cubes and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and the chicken is well distributed. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta

• Use room-temperature cream cheese — it blends more smoothly into the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente pasta absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Reserve some pasta water — if your sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash to loosen it.
• Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for a wholesome twist.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
• Bacon Lover’s Edition: Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
• Herb Delight: Mix in fresh basil or parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour if needed.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy garlic pasta pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: To soak up every drop of sauce.
• Simple Garden Salad: For a refreshing balance to the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Especially asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
• Crisp White Wine: Like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, to complement the buttery flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great too. Bowtie pasta just holds the sauce beautifully.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook everything, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Definitely — leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

Q: How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers instead.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta isn’t just another dinner recipe — it’s a full-on comfort experience. With its rich, garlicky butter sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cheesy finish, every bite feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself after a long day, this dish is a guaranteed hit that brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your kitchen.

So the next time you’re craving something hearty and soul-satisfying, grab your skillet and make this creamy garlic butter chicken pasta. It’s a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love!

Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Dinner Comfort Dish

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Bowtie Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dinner that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious cheesy garlic sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 640 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese cubed
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

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.
• Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Create the creamy base: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Melt the cheeses: Add Velveeta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
• Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss until well coated in the sauce.
• Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute Cajun seasoning with paprika and cayenne if you prefer less heat.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or extra cream.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Keyword garlic butter chicken, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, bowtie pasta, weeknight dinner