Description
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate easy dinner idea with this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce. Twisted rotini pasta is smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with melted Velveeta and mozzarella, then topped with juicy, pan-seared chicken seasoned to perfection. This dish checks all the boxes: it’s comforting, quick to make, family-friendly, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re searching for a quick weeknight dinner, creamy pasta recipe, or fresh food ideas to satisfy a cheesy craving, this is the perfect match. It’s bold, garlicky, and packed with texture — a must-try for pasta lovers!
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
salt and black pepper to taste
12 ounces rotini pasta
salt for boiling water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic finely minced
1.5 cups whole milk
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup Velveeta cheese cubed
0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
0.25 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Season chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and reserve 0.25 cup pasta water.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
5. Pour in milk and slowly add Velveeta and mozzarella. Stir until melted into a smooth sauce. Season with pepper and dried parsley.
6. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Plate the cheesy pasta and top with seared chicken. Garnish with more parsley and optional Parmesan.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky deliciousness!
Notes
Freshly grated mozzarella melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
Always cook the garlic on low heat to avoid bitterness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, easy dinner, Velveeta chicken pasta, garlic cheese sauce, quick weeknight meals