Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving something ultra-creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent? This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is your answer to a cozy, flavor-packed dinner. Imagine tender, spice-kissed chicken bites paired with swirls of rotini drenched in a molten, garlicky cheese sauce—it’s comfort food at its best, ready to steal the show.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe checks every box. With the punchy kick of seasoned chicken and the luscious sauce coating every curve of the rotini, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive in, having the right tools makes the entire cooking process smoother and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Non-Stick Skillet: This is essential for evenly searing and cooking the chicken pieces without sticking or burning. The skillet helps develop that crispy golden crust that locks in flavor.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for making the creamy mozzarella garlic cheese sauce without burning the cheese.
• Large Pot for Pasta: Needed to cook the rotini evenly. Go for one with enough space so the pasta doesn’t clump together.
• Whisk: For keeping your cheese sauce smooth and creamy while incorporating the melted Velveeta and mozzarella.
• Tongs or Spatula: Use these to handle the chicken chunks while they cook, ensuring even browning on all sides.
• Colander: To drain your cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.

With these tools ready, your cooking experience will be easier and your dish will come together flawlessly.

---

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in crafting layers of creamy, garlicky, and savory goodness:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: These are diced into chunks and seasoned well. Their juiciness and seared edges bring texture and protein to the dish.
• Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Velveeta Cheese: Known for its meltability, this adds the signature creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that stretchy, cheesy pull and mild milky flavor that balances the sharpness of garlic.
• Minced Garlic: It deepens the flavor of the sauce with its robust, aromatic profile.
• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic without burning.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: These form the base of the cheese sauce, creating a luscious mouthfeel.
• Paprika and Garlic Powder: These seasonings coat the chicken, adding color and depth of flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate all the flavors.

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rotini

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

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the diced chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream (or milk), then slowly add Velveeta cubes and whisk until fully melted. Add shredded mozzarella and whisk until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the drained rotini into the sauce and stir well to coat. Gently fold in the cooked chicken pieces. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve hot, optionally garnished with dried herbs or extra mozzarella. This dish is rich and hearty—ideal for satisfying cravings or feeding a hungry family.

---

Serving and Storing This Creamy Chicken Rotini Delight

This pasta dish is best served immediately while the cheese sauce is still velvety and the chicken is juicy. Plate it up in shallow bowls so the sauce pools slightly and coats each bite. A sprinkle of parsley or dried basil on top adds color and a fresh touch.

If you’re planning to serve it later, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta before microwaving or reheating on the stovetop. This helps bring back the creaminess of the sauce.

For freezing, store the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce if possible, as dairy-based sauces can split when thawed. If you do freeze it all together, make sure to stir well during reheating.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish less rich?

You can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the amount of Velveeta. It will still be creamy but with a lighter texture.

What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?

Cheddar or a mild American cheese blend can be used, but you may need a touch of cornstarch to thicken the sauce to the same consistency.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also season the chicken with cayenne or chili powder.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the cheesy pasta and tender chicken, especially with the mild flavors of Velveeta and mozzarella.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Sure! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works well. Just dice and warm it through in the sauce before combining with the pasta.

How do I avoid clumpy cheese sauce?

Whisk constantly and add the cheese slowly over low heat. This ensures a smooth, silky sauce every time.

---

Want More Creamy Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, which adds a zesty twist to the classic cheese layers. Or try the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce, another flavorful rotini-based comfort meal.

For something rich and hearty, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a great choice—it brings the heat and flavor. The Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is perfect if you’re craving more garlic-infused goodness.

And if you love cheesy, saucy dishes, check out the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a beefy spin on creamy pasta night.

---

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your favorite dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go for extra mozzarella? Did you add some heat? Leave a comment below—I’m always excited to hear your spin.

For more recipe ideas like this, follow me on Pinterest @LadyPlate. I share my daily recipe creations and kitchen tips there!

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?