If you’re yearning for a dish that’s creamy, rich, and immensely satisfying, look no further. This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce packs a flavorful punch that your taste buds will thank you for. It’s the perfect concoction of savory chicken, decadent cheese, and aromatic garlic sauce. Whether you’re preparing for a weeknight dinner or simply wanting to indulge in comfort food, this recipe checks all the boxes. Family-friendly and delightfully scrumptious, this dish is a surefire way to win over any dinner crowd. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s also a great choice for meal-prepping or impressing your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With the luscious smoothness of Velveeta and the parting allure of mozzarella, every mouthful feels like an embrace. Bring fun back into your culinary routine with this irresistible dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta
- Creamy Delight: The blend of Velveeta and mozzarella provides a rich, cheesy experience.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Picky eaters will love its comforting and familiar flavors.
- Versatile: Adjust ingredients to your taste – it’s a flexible recipe.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, set up your kitchen for success. The beauty of this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta lies in its simplicity, but a bit of pre-planning helps ensure a smoother cooking experience. Start by clearing your kitchen counters and gathering all your ingredients for easy access. You’ll need a large pot to cook the rotini pasta, and a sizeable skillet to sear the diced chicken and prepare the sauce. Ensure you have a sharp knife for dicing the chicken breasts and a cutting board ready for easy chopping. A good quality spatula or a wooden spoon will aid in stirring the sauce and pasta efficiently. Lastly, consider a fine grater if you decide to sprinkle fresh mozzarella over the dish instead of pre-shredded ones, to add a touch of personalized flair. Cooking becomes far more enjoyable with an organized setup, letting you focus solely on bringing this comfort-laden dish to life.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Introduce the rotini pasta and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture. Follow the package instructions for accuracy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside ½ cup of the pasta water for later use. This reserved water is our magic ingredient for adjusting sauce consistency.
Step 2: Prep and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This not only ensures they cook evenly but also makes it easy for even distribution throughout the pasta. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring the flavors enhance the final dish. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 6–8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. As the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic, allowing it to saute until it releases its fragrant aroma, approximately one minute. Next, incorporate the Velveeta cheese cubes and milk (or heavy cream) into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth. If you find the sauce too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Melt
Introduce the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece is coated. Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta in the skillet. Turn the heat down to low and cover the skillet, allowing the cheese to melt completely over the pasta, which should take about 2–3 minutes. For added texture and a golden hue, consider broiling briefly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet once the cheese has melted, mixing it with the pasta or serving it alongside as preferred. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm to enjoy it at its best.
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken with shrimp or cubed turkey for a unique twist.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and color.
- Spices: Spice up the dish with a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce for added heat.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to fully cook the chicken before proceeding with the sauce.
- Velveeta works wonders for a smooth sauce due to its creamy texture; feel free to adjust the cheese amounts to taste.
- Using reserved pasta water helps achieve the perfect creamy sauce consistency.
- If you prefer a crispy-cheese topping, use the broil option briefly, but keep an eye to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
- This pasta can be paired with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Consider serving with a side of garlic bread to complement the garlic notes in the sauce.
Tips
- For a more intense garlic flavor, add an extra clove or use garlic powder.
- Ensure the rotini pasta is truly al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Add kitchen preparation time to account for dicing and ingredient gathering.
- Reserve additional pasta water if planning to reheat leftovers, which helps in restoring sauce consistency.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Protein: 45g per serving
- Sodium: 950mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or any pasta that holds sauce well.
What if I don’t have Velveeta cheese?
If Velveeta isn’t available, consider using cream cheese blended with sharp cheddar for a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Can this dish be made in advance?
Yes, this pasta can be made ahead of time. Reheat over low heat and add extra pasta water or milk to maintain the creamy texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making over and over again. Its creamy texture, combined with the blend of seasoned chicken and pasta, creates a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. As you savor the warm, cheese-laden bites, rest assured—it’ll become a household favorite. Encourage family and friends to personalize the recipe, try new variations, and most importantly, enjoy every cheesy mouthful. Don’t forget to share your experiences, tweaks, and creative twists on this delectable recipe in the comments section. Here’s to full plates, happy hearts, and endless rounds of this irresistible pasta!
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Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Introduce the rotini pasta and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
- While the pasta cooks, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Add the minced garlic and saute until fragrant, about one minute. Incorporate the Velveeta cheese cubes and milk into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth. If needed, gradually add reserved pasta water for consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat every piece. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Turn the heat to low and cover the skillet, allowing the cheese to melt completely, about 2–3 minutes. Consider broiling briefly for added texture and a golden hue.
- Return the chicken to the skillet once the cheese has melted, mixing it with the pasta or serving it alongside as preferred. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Make sure to fully cook the chicken before proceeding with the sauce. Using reserved pasta water helps achieve the perfect creamy sauce consistency. If you prefer a crispy-cheese topping, use the broil option briefly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 45 g