Description
Looking for a bold and satisfying dinner idea that comes together fast? This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. With juicy chicken, tender rigatoni, and a luscious garlic-infused cheese sauce made with Velveeta and mozzarella, it’s a family favorite that feels like a restaurant meal—without the hassle. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or when you just need something rich, cheesy, and totally irresistible. If you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, quick pasta recipes, or creamy chicken meals, this one’s your answer.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, as needed)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken on both sides until golden and fully cooked. Rest, then slice.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute over medium heat.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in Velveeta until melted. Add mozzarella and stir until smooth.
5. If sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen.
6. Stir cooked rigatoni into the sauce until fully coated.
7. Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken and a sprinkle of parsley.
8. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melting texture.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Stir the cheese sauce over low heat to avoid separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 960
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 49
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, Velveeta pasta, easy dinner, garlic cheese sauce, rigatoni recipes