Jam Scott
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that wraps creamy, cheesy goodness around tender, seasoned chicken? This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is the soul-warming dinner your weeknight deserves. With bold, juicy bites of chicken nestled beside spiraled pasta drenched in a luscious garlic-kissed cheese sauce, this dish is a knockout for any cheese lover.
Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe blends the nostalgic taste of Velveeta with the pull-apart beauty of mozzarella. It’s a simple, skillet-ready dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re chasing cozy vibes or trying to impress a crowd, this cheesy pasta has your back.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Rotini pasta (also known as twisted pasta) is ideal for this dish. Its spiral shape hugs all that creamy cheese sauce beautifully, so every bite is rich and flavorful. However, you can easily swap in penne or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Chicken Breast – Seasoned and pan-seared, the chicken adds a savory protein base that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese.
Rotini Pasta – The corkscrew shape locks in the sauce, making every forkful burst with cheesy flavor.
Velveeta Cheese – This melt-friendly cheese gives the sauce its silky, nostalgic creaminess.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melted over the top, it adds stringy, stretchy goodness that browns beautifully under a broiler.
Garlic Powder & Minced Garlic – These infuse the dish with layers of warm, aromatic flavor.
Butter – Used to sauté and flavor the garlic and create the base of the sauce.
Milk or Heavy Cream – Thins the cheese sauce slightly while adding even more creaminess.
Parsley (optional) – A sprinkle of dried or fresh parsley gives the final dish a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a hot skillet with a bit of oil or butter, sear the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Melt the Velveeta Cheese
Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the garlic butter mixture along with milk or heavy cream. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
Step 6: Top with Mozzarella and Broil
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until the mozzarella melts and starts to brown.
Step 7: Plate and Add Chicken
Serve the cheesy pasta on plates and top with the seared chicken pieces. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for a burst of color.
How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Pasta
Serve this pasta hot from the skillet with a simple side salad or garlic bread. It’s rich, filling, and satisfying all on its own, but you can pair it with roasted veggies for a more complete meal.
To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes! Cream cheese or American cheese can be used in place of Velveeta, but the texture may change slightly. Velveeta gives that ultra-creamy consistency.
What’s the best way to get crispy chicken?
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps each piece get that golden, crisp edge.
Can I bake the dish instead of broiling it?
Absolutely. After combining everything, you can transfer it to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the pasta (without the chicken for best texture) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk.
What veggies go well with this dish?
Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms pair beautifully with the cheesy garlic flavor. You can even mix them into the pasta.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute with gluten-free rotini pasta and double-check your cheeses and seasonings for any gluten-containing additives.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you love the flavors in this cheesy chicken pasta, you might enjoy these other cozy favorites:
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a heartier one-pan wonder.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re craving something meaty and indulgent.
- Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for a spiced-up twist on comfort food.
- Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake for a savory-sweet start to your day.
- Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole to switch things up with buttery layers and creamy chicken filling.
Looking for more easy meal inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest where I share new recipes every day from Life with Jam.
Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken breast, rotini pasta, and a rich Velveeta and mozzarella garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving cheesy indulgence. This one-skillet meal comes together easily and reheats beautifully!
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
8 oz rotini pasta
2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ cup milk or heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh or dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the cubed Velveeta and milk or heavy cream. Stir constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Broil in an oven-safe skillet for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly browned.
8. Serve pasta with seared chicken on the side or mixed in. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
To get perfectly golden chicken, ensure your pan is hot and avoid overcrowding when searing.
You can substitute Velveeta with cream cheese or American cheese if needed, but the texture may be slightly different.
For a veggie twist, toss in steamed broccoli or baby spinach with the pasta before topping with mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Broiler
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cheesy pasta, garlic chicken, Velveeta dinner, weeknight comfort food
