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
Scale
- 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