Welcome to the delightful world of Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce! If you’re in search of a comforting, hearty meal that pleases both the eyes and the palate, you’ve landed at the right recipe. This dish combines the rich creaminess of Velveeta and mozzarella cheeses with tender chicken and delicious linguine. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine lies not just in its luscious sauce, but also in its simplicity. Perfectly cooked linguine enveloped in a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce is a dish that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish ensures that everyone leaves the table happy. So, let’s dive into making a cheesy meal that promises to be a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Loaded with Velveeta and mozzarella cheeses for a rich taste.
- Family-Friendly: A classic comfort food that appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies for an easy twist.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this creamy pasta paradise, it’s essential to prepare both your kitchen and ingredients for a smooth cooking experience. Start by gathering your tools: you’ll need a large pot for boiling the linguine, a skillet for sautéing the chicken and making the sauce, a cutting board, and a sharp knife. Preparing your ingredients ahead of time will help everything come together seamlessly. Dice the chicken breasts, mince the garlic, and shred the mozzarella in advance to save time. Also, ensure you have measuring cups and spoons handy for accurate ingredient portions.
Ingredients
- 454g linguine
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 170g Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 120g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 240ml milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 60ml reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Linguine
Begin by bringing a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook it according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When finished, drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water. This will be useful later to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the tablespoon of butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The smell of the chicken cooking is sure to make your mouth water! Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add minced garlic. Sauté this for about a minute, stirring continuously until fragrant. This step is crucial as it releases the lovely aroma of garlic, setting a flavor foundation for your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the milk (or half-and-half) to the garlic in the skillet. Stir continuously as the cheese melts, transforming into a smooth, creamy sauce. This rich mixture is what makes this dish stand out. The creaminess combined with garlic elevates the flavors to a whole new level!
Step 5: Incorporate Mozzarella
After the Velveeta has melted, add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Continue stirring until the mozzarella is fully melty and the sauce is luxuriously creamy. The gooeyness from the cheese is what makes every bite irresistible!
Step 6: Mix in Chicken
Now that your sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently stir to ensure that all the chicken pieces get coated in that delicious sauce. This step allows the chicken to absorb some of that rich flavor, making it even more tasty.
Step 7: Combine with Linguine
Take the drained linguine and add it straight into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Use tongs or a fork to toss everything together, making sure to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the mixture seems too thick, add in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up—this trick is essential for achieving the perfect consistency!
Step 8: Season and Serve
Before serving, taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this delightful dish hot, and prepare for compliments!
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Cooking Notes
- Always reserve pasta water to adjust the thickness of your sauce to your liking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for cooking pasta for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips
- For a richer sauce, you can substitute cream for milk or half-and-half.
- Don’t rush the cheese melting process; keep stirring for a perfectly smooth sauce.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 490 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Though this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just keep them refrigerated and combine with freshly cooked linguine when you’re ready to eat.
Can I freeze Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine?
We recommend consuming this dish fresh, as reheating can sometimes alter the texture of the sauce. If you do freeze, make sure to thaw it completely and gently reheat on low heat, adding more milk if necessary.
What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?
You can substitute Velveeta with a cream cheese blend or any cheese that melts smoothly, such as cheddar or gouda, but the result may vary in flavor and creaminess.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable stock instead of broth for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings comfort and smiles to the dinner table. With its velvety sauce and hearty linguine, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home kitchen. Whether you follow the recipe as is or put your spin on it, feel free to experiment with the variations and make it uniquely yours. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends; don’t forget to invite the compliments while you enjoy this comforting pasta. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, satisfying dinner that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat!
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Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Welcome to the delightful world of Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine!
Ingredients
- 454g linguine
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 170g Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 120g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 240ml milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 60ml reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook it according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When finished, drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the tablespoon of butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add minced garlic. Sauté this for about a minute, stirring continuously until fragrant.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the milk (or half-and-half) to the garlic in the skillet. Stir continuously as the cheese melts, transforming into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- After the Velveeta has melted, add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Continue stirring until the mozzarella is fully melty and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.
- Now that your sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently stir to ensure that all the chicken pieces get coated in that delicious sauce.
- Take the drained linguine and add it straight into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Use tongs or a fork to toss everything together, making sure to coat the pasta thoroughly.
- Before serving, taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
Always reserve pasta water to adjust the thickness of your sauce to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 30 g