Oh, get ready for a hug in a bowl! This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is one of those recipes that just makes everything feel right. I’ve been tinkering with comfort food classics for years, and this one? It’s a winner, hands down. It’s got that perfect combo of creamy, cheesy goodness that’s just SO satisfying, especially after a long day. You know those nights when you just need something familiar and totally delicious? This is it. It’s super easy, too, which is a huge bonus in my book!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Seriously, this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a game-changer for a few reasons. It’s the ultimate comfort food without a fuss!

Quick and Easy Preparation: You won’t believe how fast this comes together. The steps are super straightforward, meaning less time stressing and more time enjoying.
Irresistibly Creamy and Cheesy: That Velveeta and mozzarella combo? Pure magic! It creates a sauce that’s so smooth, rich, and decadent, you’ll want to lick the bowl clean.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: With prep and cook time under an hour, it’s your new go-to for busy evenings when you need a delicious, satisfying meal on the table ASAP.

Ingredients for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Alright, let’s get our ingredients together for this glorious Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process so much smoother, trust me!

Essential Pasta Components

We need about 12 ounces of pasta. I love using rotini or penne because those twists and tubes really grab onto the sauce, but honestly, any shape you have on hand will work beautifully. Just cook it up according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente.

Savory Chicken and Flavor Base

For our chicken, grab about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it into nice bite-sized pieces. Season those pieces generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Then, we’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to get everything nicely browned in the skillet. And don’t forget 2 cloves of garlic, minced up nice and fine – that’s where a lot of that yummy flavor comes from!

Creamy Sauce Essentials

Now for the star of the show, the sauce! You’ll need 1 cup of Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes so it melts easily. Then, add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese – the more the merrier, right? We’ll also use 1/2 cup of milk to get that super creamy texture, and about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra salty kick.

Fresh Garnish

To finish it all off, we’ll need a little something fresh. About 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through all that richness.

How to Prepare Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Okay, let’s get this delicious Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce made! It’s really not complicated at all, just a few simple steps and you’ll have a dinner winner on your hands.

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and season them really well with that salt and pepper we prepped. Get a big skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat with the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add the chicken. You want it to get nicely browned on all sides and cooked all the way through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it’ll steam instead of brown – cook in batches if you need to! Once it’s cooked, scoop it out and set it aside for a bit. We’ll toss it back in later.

Cooking and Draining the Pasta

While the chicken is doing its thing, get your pasta cooking! Follow the package directions for whatever shape you’re using, aiming for that perfect al dente bite. Before you drain it, make sure to scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. This stuff is liquid gold for making sauces super smooth and creamy, so don’t skip it! Drain the rest of the pasta and set it aside for a moment.

Crafting the Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Now for the magic! In that same skillet you cooked the chicken in (no need to wash it, all those little bits add flavor!), toss in your minced garlic. Sauté it for just about 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing aroma – be careful not to burn it! Turn the heat down to low, because we don’t want to scorch our beautiful cheese. Add the cubed Velveeta, shredded mozzarella, and the milk. Stir, stir, stir! Keep stirring gently until all those cheeses melt into a wonderfully smooth, gooey sauce. If it seems a little too thick, that’s where your reserved pasta water comes in. Add a tablespoon or two at a time, stirring until you get that perfect, luscious consistency. Finally, stir in that grated Parmesan cheese. Yum!

Combining and Finishing the Dish

Alright, we’re almost there! Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet with that glorious cheesy sauce. Then, dump in all that drained pasta. Give everything a good toss, making sure every single piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce. It should look absolutely divine! Once it’s all mixed together and heated through, give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon it all into bowls and sprinkle generously with that fresh chopped parsley. It just makes the whole dish pop!

Tips for Success with Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

You’re going to love how easy this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is, but a few little tricks really take it over the top. It’s all about getting that perfect creamy texture and juicy chicken, and it’s totally doable!

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

That reserved pasta water is seriously your best friend here. If your sauce starts looking a little too thick after you add the cheeses, just stir in a tablespoon or two of that starchy water. It helps loosen everything up beautifully and makes the sauce cling to the pasta just right. Don’t add it all at once, though; add it gradually until you get that luscious, smooth consistency you’re after.

Ensuring Evenly Cooked Chicken

When you’re cutting up your chicken breast, try to make the pieces as uniform in size as possible. This is key so they all cook at the same rate. Don’t be tempted to crank the heat up too high when you’re browning it, either. Medium-high is perfect; it gives you that nice golden crust without burning the outside before the inside is cooked through. And remember, don’t overcrowd the pan – give those chicken pieces some breathing room!

Variations for Your Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is fantastic as is, but it’s also super adaptable! I love how you can tweak it to fit whatever you have or whatever mood you’re in. It’s a great base for adding your own little twists.

Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

Want to sneak in some extra goodness? It’s so easy! You can totally add some steamed broccoli florets or even some frozen peas right at the end when you’re tossing everything together. They add a lovely bit of color and extra nutrients without changing that amazing cheesy flavor too much.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you’re like me and love a little kick, this recipe is perfect for adding some heat. Just toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic when you’re starting the sauce. Start with a little, taste, and add more if you want it spicier. It gives it a nice warmth that balances all that creamy cheese!

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is practically a meal all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through all that rich, cheesy goodness. You could also serve it with some crusty garlic bread – extra garlic, why not?! – for dipping up any extra sauce. It’s just a really satisfying, comforting meal that doesn’t need much fuss to shine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers of this amazing Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce? Lucky you! Let them cool down completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the stovetop works best. Just toss it into a skillet over low heat, maybe with a tiny splash of milk or water if it seems a bit thick, and stir until it’s warmed through. The microwave works too, just be sure to stir halfway so it heats evenly!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Got questions about making this delicious Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce? I’ve got you covered! This recipe is pretty forgiving, but here are some common things people ask.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini and penne are my favorites because they really hold onto that yummy sauce, feel free to use whatever pasta you have in your pantry. Elbow macaroni, farfalle (bow-ties), or even a long pasta like spaghetti broken into pieces will work great. Just make sure to cook it to al dente!

What are good substitutes for chicken breast?

If chicken breast isn’t your thing, or you just want to switch it up, chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative! They often stay a little more tender and flavorful. You could also try using leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even some cooked Italian sausage for a different spin on this cheesy pasta dish.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Making this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce gluten-free is super simple! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are so many great options available now made from rice, corn, or lentils that work wonderfully. Just follow the package directions for cooking, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free comfort meal!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutrition info for this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is an estimate, of course! It can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you pile on your plate. But generally, you’re looking at around 650 calories, 30g of fat (with about 15g being saturated), 35g of protein, and 60g of carbs per serving. It’s a hearty meal, but so worth it!

Cheesy Velveeta Pasta: 1 hug in a bowl

Author: ferecipe.com
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring chicken, Velveeta cheese, and a rich garlic-infused mozzarella sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low. Add Velveeta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and milk to the skillet. Stir until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.
Stir in Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast if preferred.
Other vegetables like broccoli or peas can be added for extra nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, Velveeta pasta, mozzarella garlic sauce, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe