Description
This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is the ultimate cheesy comfort food that combines spiced chicken cubes and al dente rotini in a rich cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into cubes
- 10 ounces rotini pasta
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or Italian herbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken dry and then seasoning it with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add either butter or oil. Once hot, sear the chicken cubes for about 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain but reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in milk or heavy cream and add cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Gently toss the drained rotini into the sauce to coat thoroughly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and combine with pasta and sauce. Sprinkle with dried basil or Italian herbs before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for an hour before cooking. You can also use heavy cream for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 35 g