This Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Velveeta Garlic Butter Sauce is pure comfort on a plate. Tender bowtie pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy garlic butter sauce with a kick of Cajun spice—finished off with juicy, golden seared chicken. It’s an easy weeknight dinner recipe that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s made right in your kitchen in under 40 minutes.
Who Is This Recipe For?
Perfect for pasta lovers who want a quick and easy dinner with bold flavors. Busy families will love it because it’s budget-friendly, kids will devour the cheesy sauce, and spice-lovers will appreciate the Cajun kick. It’s also a great dish to serve at gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours cooking.
Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy, cheesy, garlicky—everything you want in pasta.
- Ready in less than 40 minutes.
- One of the best Velveeta pasta recipes for comfort food fans.
- Easy to customize with veggies or extra spice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into strips or cubes)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season & cook the chicken
- Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter base
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Build the sauce
- Stir in chicken broth and cream, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Add Velveeta cubes and Parmesan, stirring until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with Cajun spice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine everything
- Add drained pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss until well-coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Serve & garnish
- Top with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot and cheesy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet for chicken and sauce
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Sharp knife & cutting board
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Not freezer-friendly (Velveeta doesn’t thaw well).
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
Yes—cheddar or mozzarella can work, but Velveeta gives it that signature ultra-creamy texture.
Q: Is it too spicy?
No—it’s family-friendly. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would make it even better.
Conclusion
This Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Velveeta Garlic Butter Sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect easy weeknight pasta dinner recipe that combines Cajun spice with cheesy comfort food goodness.
Enjoy !!
