Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing? This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a cheesy, satisfying, and easy recipe that brings together tender chicken, creamy Velveeta, melty mozzarella, and bold garlic flavor — all tossed with hearty rigatoni pasta. Whether you’re searching for an easy dinner, food ideas for picky eaters, or cozy comfort food, this recipe checks every box. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend indulgence, or as a go-to dish in your rotation of family favorites.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add cubed Velveeta to the cream mixture and stir until melted. Then add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
6. Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir gently until everything is coated in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
8. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
Cube your Velveeta for faster, even melting and a smoother sauce.
Reserve pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce if it gets too thick.
For deeper flavor, use freshly shredded mozzarella and real Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1.5 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, chicken rigatoni, Velveeta pasta, garlic mozzarella sauce