Description
This creamy Velveeta chicken rotini recipe combines tender cooked chicken and al dente rotini pasta in a rich mozzarella garlic sauce made with Velveeta cheese and heavy cream. Quick to make in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish features a luscious, cheesy sauce infused with garlic and butter, topped with melted mozzarella and parsley for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
Cheese Sauce
- 1 ½ cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet, slice, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Add Chicken and Mozzarella: Layer the sliced chicken on top of the coated pasta. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on low heat for 1–2 minutes until the mozzarella melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the creamy Velveeta chicken rotini hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked chicken breasts; however, leftover or rotisserie chicken can be substituted.
- You can swap Velveeta cheese with processed cheese or a mild cheddar for a different flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference.
- To make the dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Ensure not to overcook pasta as it will be heated again when mixed with sauce and chicken.
