Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

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Looking for a meal that hits every craving? Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned? This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce might just be the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a cozy dinner night, this recipe delivers restaurant-level flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients.

The grilled chicken is juicy and seasoned to perfection, nestled beside creamy rotini pasta coated in a silky mozzarella garlic sauce with a velvety finish from Velveeta cheese. The balance of savory and creamy, paired with a golden sear on the chicken, makes each bite downright addictive. You’ll definitely want seconds—maybe even thirds.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the magic, let’s make sure you’re equipped. This recipe doesn’t call for any fancy gadgets, but having the right tools can make all the difference:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan: This is key for getting that beautifully caramelized, flavorful crust on the chicken.
• Large Pot: For boiling your rotini pasta—use one with enough room to let the pasta move freely.
• Medium Saucepan: For preparing the mozzarella garlic sauce without scorching the cheese.
• Whisk: Essential for achieving a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For cleanly slicing the grilled chicken and prepping any garnishes.
• Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Great for flipping the chicken evenly and stirring the sauce with control.

Having these tools prepped and ready ensures you can focus on layering flavor and texture without breaking stride.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Each ingredient here serves a flavorful purpose, enhancing the rich, cheesy, and savory profile of the dish:

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: They are the protein heart of the recipe—seasoned and grilled for a smoky, juicy contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape catches all the luscious sauce, giving every bite a creamy, cheesy coating.
• Velveeta Cheese: Melts effortlessly into the sauce, creating that silky texture and bold cheesy flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a stretchy, gooey element to the garlic sauce for ultimate comfort.
• Garlic (minced): The base of flavor in the sauce—aromatic and savory.
• Butter: Used to sauté garlic and start the sauce with richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a roux with butter to thicken the sauce perfectly.
• Milk or Half-and-Half: The liquid base that binds the sauce—use whole milk for creaminess or half-and-half for a richer taste.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, and Italian Seasoning: For layering flavor into both the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds color and brightness to the final dish.

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

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes if possible for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

In a hot skillet or grill pan, cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through—about 6-8 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil and cook rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce later.

Step 4: Make the Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Add Velveeta cubes and shredded mozzarella, stirring until fully melted into a thick, creamy sauce. Season to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked rotini into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Slice the grilled chicken and serve over or beside the creamy rotini. Garnish with parsley and a little extra mozzarella if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store This Creamy Chicken Rotini

For the best experience, serve the creamy rotini and sliced grilled chicken immediately while everything is hot and melty. The cheese sauce clings to the rotini best when fresh, and the chicken is at its juiciest right off the grill. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

To store leftovers, transfer the chicken and pasta into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Freezing is not ideal due to the dairy-heavy sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken works best?

Both chicken thighs and chicken breasts work beautifully. Thighs offer more juiciness and richness, while breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just slice and warm the chicken before serving. It saves time and still pairs well with the sauce.

What if I don’t have Velveeta?

You can substitute with cheddar or American cheese, though the texture may be slightly less creamy. Velveeta offers that signature melt and smoothness.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently! But you can easily kick it up with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the seasoning.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free rotini and substitute the flour in the sauce with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from clumping?

Whisk constantly while adding the milk, and ensure the cheese is added gradually. Keep heat at medium to avoid burning or separating.

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Want More Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If creamy chicken dishes are your jam, don’t miss these flavorful favorites from the blog:

The Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings in sun-dried tomatoes and herbs with a velvety cream sauce that pairs beautifully with penne.

You might also like the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, which layers spicy chicken, cheese, and pasta in a bold and comforting bake.

Try the One Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta for a bold, smoky variation with a tangy twist.

Or for something with a different cheesy pasta shape, the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is another weeknight hero.

Another one to bookmark is the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a flavorful blend of spices and creamy richness that’s always a hit.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for the next time you need comfort in a bowl. Just click the Pin button.

If you give this a go, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you use chicken thighs or go for rotisserie? Add extra garlic or more mozzarella? Leave a comment below and share your spin.

For more daily recipes and kitchen inspiration, follow me over on Pinterest at LadyPlate. You’ll find fresh ideas added every day!

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