Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate cheesy comfort food that’s quick and satisfying, this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is calling your name. Tender chicken bites seasoned with garlic and herbs, tossed alongside rotini coated in a creamy sauce made from Velveeta and mozzarella. It’s one of the best quick dinner ideas for busy nights or weekend indulgence. Perfect for anyone craving an easy recipe packed with flavor, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of garlic. Great for family dinners, leftovers, or anyone exploring new food ideas!
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 oz rotini pasta
1.5 cups Velveeta cheese cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon butter
0.5 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Extra shredded mozzarella for garnish
Additional chopped parsley for garnish
Cracked black pepper for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30–45 seconds.
5. Add Velveeta and milk. Stir gently until melted and smooth. Add cream cheese if using.
6. Stir in shredded mozzarella until fully melted. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
7. Add cooked rotini into the skillet. Toss to coat with the cheese sauce. Let simmer 1–2 minutes.
8. Plate the pasta and add seared chicken beside it.
9. Garnish with extra mozzarella, parsley, and cracked black pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
Always melt Velveeta first before adding mozzarella to prevent clumping.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a stretchier, more authentic melt.
A splash of reserved pasta water can rescue a too-thick sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, velveeta chicken pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, quick recipe, mozzarella garlic sauce, rotini pasta