Tanya Rivers
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of cheesy pasta, and this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce delivers exactly that. With tender chunks of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked rotini, and a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce, every bite is a mix of hearty flavors and velvety textures that feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
The twisty pasta catches every drop of rich cheese sauce, while the Velveeta brings that smooth, indulgent melt we all crave. Paired with fresh mozzarella and fragrant garlic, it turns into a dish that’s both decadent and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this pasta will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
This dish combines the ultimate comfort food elements – cheesy, creamy pasta with juicy, flavorful chicken. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to impress guests. The use of Velveeta ensures a consistently smooth sauce, while mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy texture everyone adores.
What Type of Pasta Works Best for This Dish?
Rotini is ideal for this recipe because its spiral shape traps the cheese sauce beautifully, making each bite rich and flavorful. If you can’t find rotini, penne or fusilli work just as well. The key is choosing a pasta shape with ridges or twists so the sauce clings perfectly.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to create a balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors:
- Rotini Pasta – The spiral shape is perfect for holding onto all that cheesy garlic sauce.
- Chicken Breast – Lean and tender, providing a protein boost and meaty bite.
- Velveeta Cheese – For a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth base to the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Adds gooey texture and extra cheesiness.
- Garlic – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Butter – Helps create a silky sauce while adding richness.
- Heavy Cream – Brings the sauce together with a smooth consistency.
- Salt & Pepper – To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley – A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.
How To Make the Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, then gradually add Velveeta cheese, stirring until completely melted.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Seasoning
Mix in shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce is gooey and smooth. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
This dish is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal and comfortably feeds 4 to 5 people. Serve it hot for the best gooey cheese texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
What to Serve With Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce?
1. Garlic Bread
A buttery, crispy garlic bread makes the perfect companion for scooping up extra sauce.
2. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with tangy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add a healthy and colorful touch.
4. Caprese Salad
Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.
5. Steamed Green Beans
Lightly seasoned green beans add a crunchy, fresh side.
6. Bruschetta
Fresh tomato and basil-topped bread pairs beautifully with the cheesy flavors.
7. Sauteed Spinach
A quick spinach sauté with garlic gives a nutritious, earthy complement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While rotini is great for holding sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just choose a pasta with ridges or curves to capture the cheesy goodness.
2. Can I substitute the Velveeta cheese?
You can replace Velveeta with cream cheese or a mix of cheddar and milk for a slightly different texture and taste.
3. How do I make the dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a gentle heat.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and stir in a splash of cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra garlic or try a different cheese blend? Did you pair it with a salad or go all-in with garlic bread?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
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Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 300 g rotini pasta
- 500 g chicken breast, diced
- 250 g Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, then gradually add Velveeta cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella until the sauce is gooey and thick.
- Add pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.