Craving something cozy, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy? This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is your ultimate comfort food fix. With tender rotini pasta coated in a rich Velveeta and mozzarella cheese blend, and topped with seared chicken bites, this dish delivers bold flavor with every twirl of the fork.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or indulging in a cheesy weeknight dinner, this pasta hits all the right notes. The creaminess of the garlic sauce perfectly hugs the pasta spirals, while crispy, seasoned chicken adds texture and protein to the plate. It’s a quick dinner idea that feels like a cozy restaurant dish you can make right at home.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce effortlessly, gather the right tools first:

Large Pot: For boiling your twisted pasta to al dente perfection.
Cast Iron Skillet or Frying Pan: Essential for achieving a golden sear on your seasoned chicken chunks.
Medium Saucepan: Needed to craft the creamy garlic cheese sauce without burning the dairy.
Whisk: Helps emulsify the cheese and milk smoothly, giving your sauce a velvety finish.
Colander: For draining pasta quickly and evenly without losing heat.
Tongs or Spatula: Ideal for turning chicken pieces without breaking them apart.

Each of these tools ensures your cooking process is smooth and efficient, especially when timing the sauce and chicken to come together just as your pasta finishes cooking.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite extra indulgent.
Chicken Breast: Sliced and pan-seared, adds satisfying protein and a savory element to balance the cheese.
Velveeta Cheese: The star of the show, bringing unbeatable creaminess and rich, melty texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a stretchy, gooey layer and balances the Velveeta with its mild flavor.
Garlic (minced): Builds a flavorful base for the sauce and enhances the richness.
Butter: For sautéing garlic and creating a buttery, golden base for the sauce.
Whole Milk: Helps achieve the ideal sauce consistency without making it too thick.
Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Parsley (fresh or dried): Adds a fresh herbal note and makes the final plate pop visually.

How To Make the Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet with a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Start the Garlic Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden – about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Stir in Velveeta cubes and milk, whisking continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy base. Add shredded mozzarella and continue stirring until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, folding gently to coat every spiral. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Plate the cheesy pasta and top generously with your seared chicken bites. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra mozzarella if desired.

Serving and Storing This Cheesy Pasta

Serve the pasta hot and fresh, right after assembling. It’s excellent as a standalone meal but pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a fun twist, serve it in bowls with a sprinkle of red chili flakes or extra herbs.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to bring back the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rotini holds the sauce beautifully, penne, fusilli, or even macaroni work just as well.

What can I use instead of Velveeta?

Cream cheese or a mix of cheddar and a bit of cream will give a similar creaminess if you prefer to skip Velveeta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead. Cook the pasta just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the cheese sauce may change. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

What vegetables can I add?

Broccoli, peas, or spinach make great additions if you want to sneak in some greens.

How spicy is the garlic sauce?

It’s more savory than spicy, but you can always add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick.

Want More Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe if you’re into bolder spice with creamy undertones. Or try the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce for a beefy twist on creamy pasta classics.

For another twist on garlic-forward pasta, explore the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni – it’s packed with flavor and a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re a fan of all things creamy and comforting, check out the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti or the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for effortless weekday wins.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food board for next time. Just hit the Pin button and keep it handy.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go extra with mozzarella? Did you mix in veggies or spice it up? Leave a comment below — I’m always curious how your version turns out.

And for more creamy and cheesy dinner ideas, follow me on Pinterest: LadyPlate Pinterest Recipes

Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Author: Julia Koch

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Description

This creamy and savory Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish. Swirled rotini pasta is drenched in a smooth, garlicky cheese sauce and topped with golden seared chicken bites. Perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent weekends.