Craving something hearty, creamy, and downright indulgent for dinner tonight? If you’re nodding yes, this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is calling your name. It’s a mouthwatering combo of juicy, well-seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked rigatoni, all coated in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce that’s enriched with mozzarella and kissed with garlic.

This dish brings together the ease of comfort food with the richness of a restaurant-quality meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a cozy pasta night at home, this recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, and full of bold, satisfying flavors.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull off this creamy rigatoni dream, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

1. Large Pot: This is crucial for boiling the rigatoni evenly and giving it room to move without sticking together.

2. Cast Iron or Heavy Skillet: A must-have for searing the chicken to get that golden, flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.

3. Saucepan: You’ll use this to make the garlic-infused Velveeta and mozzarella sauce. A non-stick one works best for easy stirring and clean-up.

4. Whisk: Helps ensure your sauce stays silky smooth without clumps.

5. Tongs or a Spatula: Ideal for turning your chicken pieces as they sear, making sure every side is well cooked.

6. Colander: To drain your pasta without losing any of it in the sink.

Having these tools handy makes this creamy, cheesy pasta dish a breeze to prepare, keeping everything efficient and mess-free.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Rigatoni Pasta – This hearty pasta holds the cheese sauce beautifully in its ridges and hollow center, making every bite rich and satisfying.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Provides the savory, protein-packed contrast to the creamy pasta. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, but breasts work great too.

Velveeta Cheese – The base of the creamy sauce. It melts effortlessly and delivers that iconic smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta luxuriously.

Mozzarella Cheese – Adds stretch and extra gooeyness to the sauce while deepening the cheesy flavor.

Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce its creamy consistency and luscious richness.

Garlic (Minced) – Infuses the sauce with bold, savory notes that balance the richness of the cheeses.

Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken and helps develop that golden crust.

Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of both the chicken and the sauce.

Chopped Parsley (Optional) – For garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Let rest, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Boil the Rigatoni

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt a touch of butter or olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, then add Velveeta cheese chunks. Stir continuously until the Velveeta melts. Fold in the mozzarella until fully melted and the sauce is silky.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained rigatoni into the saucepan and stir to coat evenly with the creamy garlic cheese sauce. Keep on low heat to keep it warm.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Serve the creamy rigatoni topped with slices of the seared chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

When it comes to serving, this dish thrives as a main course, best enjoyed hot and fresh from the stove. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to cut through the richness. For an extra cozy dinner, a slice of garlic bread on the side will soak up all the leftover sauce beautifully.

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through and creamy again.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish due to the cheese sauce’s texture after thawing, but it can be done in a pinch—just note that the sauce might separate slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cheese sauce from getting grainy?

Make sure to melt the Velveeta and mozzarella over low heat and stir constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce, as high heat can cause it to break and become grainy.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rigatoni is great for holding sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli will work well. Just be sure it’s a pasta with some texture to grab the creamy sauce.

Is there a substitute for Velveeta?

You can use American cheese or a blend of cheddar and cream cheese, but Velveeta guarantees that ultra-smooth, melty consistency.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, but wait to make the sauce until just before serving for the best texture.

What can I add to make it spicier?

Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce if you’re craving some heat.

Do I need to use fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—just reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.

Want More Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If creamy, cheesy pasta dinners are your love language, you’re in great company.

You might enjoy the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for a spicy, layered twist on classic flavors. Another great variation is the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, packed with bold spices and a kick of heat.

Craving something meaty and rich? Try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta which uses a similar creamy approach with a hearty beef base.

For something ultra-satisfying, the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce delivers on cheesy indulgence. And if garlic is your thing, don’t miss the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a flavor-packed experience.

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If you try this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Did you sneak in a veggie or two? Leave a comment below!

For even more recipes like this, check out my daily kitchen creations on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring juicy seared chicken paired with tender rigatoni, smothered in a rich Velveeta and mozzarella garlic sauce. This family-style favorite comes together easily and satisfies every cheesy craving. Perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress without the fuss.

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing into strips.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In a saucepan, melt a bit of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Velveeta cubes and stir until fully melted and smooth.

6. Stir in mozzarella and mix until the sauce is thick and stretchy.

7. Add the drained rigatoni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Keep warm on low heat.

8. Serve rigatoni on plates and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if using.

Notes

Let the cheese sauce melt over low heat only to avoid separating or curdling.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half and half in place of heavy cream.

Freshly grated mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded; use block cheese when possible.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Comfort

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 710
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, Velveeta rigatoni, mozzarella garlic sauce