Name: Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rigatoni pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped; 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 cups milk; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

There are pasta nights, and then there are pasta dreams. Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni is what happens when comfort food meets creamy indulgence. This dish wraps tender chicken, rich Velveeta cheese, and a velvety mozzarella garlic sauce around rigatoni pasta to create a meal that’s savory, cheesy, and soul-satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a hearty weeknight family meal, this recipe knows how to comfort and impress all at once.

What makes this rigatoni dish truly unforgettable is its layers of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The creaminess from Velveeta adds that nostalgic cheese pull you know and love, while the mozzarella garlic sauce brings in a bold, aromatic flair that clings beautifully to every ridged piece of pasta. It’s rich without being heavy and comforting without being bland. And the best part? It comes together with simple pantry staples and doesn’t need much culinary fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

This dish delivers indulgence without overwhelming the senses. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but flexible enough to serve as the centerpiece of a larger dinner spread. The Velveeta creates an ultra-smooth base, ensuring the sauce never turns grainy or clumpy, even when reheated. It also freezes and stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers you’ll actually be excited to eat again.

And let’s not forget the garlic-mozzarella sauce. It transforms a simple cheese pasta into something layered with savory depth, perfect for garlic lovers. The way it bubbles and browns slightly in the oven gives every bite a little extra texture and flavor.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

You can use cooked shredded chicken breast or thigh meat depending on your texture preference. Chicken breast keeps things lean and tender, while thighs bring in a little more richness and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and cuts prep time significantly. Want to save even more time? Grab a bag of pre-cooked grilled chicken strips from the store and toss them right in.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

To create the creamy, cheesy perfection of this rigatoni dish, you’ll need a mix of everyday kitchen staples that come together in a delicious harmony. Each ingredient plays a key role in building up the flavor and texture that makes this recipe a favorite.

Rigatoni Pasta
Cooked Chicken
Velveeta Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Garlic
Butter
Milk
All-Purpose Flour
Salt and Pepper
Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Rigatoni Pasta is the ideal shape for holding creamy sauce in every bite. Its ridges trap cheesy goodness like a pro.

Cooked Chicken adds satisfying protein. Use shredded or chopped for a bite-sized experience that blends well into the dish.

Velveeta Cheese melts into a silky, rich base that ensures your sauce is velvety and smooth every time.

Mozzarella Cheese provides that classic stretch and a mellow flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic.

Garlic gives this dish its bold, fragrant character. Fresh minced garlic is ideal.

Butter helps build a roux and adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

Milk thins the sauce to the perfect pourable consistency without making it watery.

All-Purpose Flour works with butter to create a creamy roux that thickens the sauce.

Salt and Pepper season the sauce to taste, enhancing the balance between cheesy and savory.

Parsley adds a fresh pop of green and makes the final dish feel complete.

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce 2

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Roux

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Slowly whisk in milk to the roux and cook until slightly thickened. Add cubes of Velveeta and stir until melted and smooth. Then stir in shredded mozzarella until melted.

Step 4: Combine with Chicken and Pasta

Add cooked chicken to the sauce, mixing well. Then gently fold in the rigatoni, ensuring every piece is coated.

Step 5: Bake (Optional but Recommended)

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with a bit more mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, herby finish.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

This rigatoni dish is pure comfort, perfect for serving straight out of the oven when it’s hot, bubbly, and deliciously gooey. It comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people, making it a wonderful option for family dinners, casual guests, or meal prepping for a few days. Serve it in a shallow bowl or deep plate to hold all that creamy sauce. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and an extra pinch of parsley right before serving adds a restaurant-level finish.

For storing, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

The golden rule: cheesy pasta always deserves crusty garlic bread on the side. Use store-bought or make it homemade with butter, garlic, and parsley.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar with romaine, Parmesan, and crunchy croutons adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the rigatoni.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli tossed in olive oil and a pinch of salt adds a healthy, crispy element to your plate.

Caprese Skewers

Layer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on a skewer for a simple and refreshing bite to complement the warm pasta.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and tangy balsamic reduction caramelized over roasted Brussels sprouts balances the creamy pasta beautifully.

Lemon Asparagus

Steamed or roasted asparagus with a drizzle of lemon juice brightens up the dish with a little acidity.

Classic Antipasto Platter

Serve before or alongside the meal with a mix of olives, cured meats, artichokes, and marinated veggies to add variety to your dinner spread.

A Glass of Chardonnay

If you’re pouring a glass, opt for a buttery Chardonnay to mirror the creamy notes in the dish without overpowering it.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Cheesy Comfort?

If you love this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni, you’ll definitely want to check out these other cheesy pasta creations from the Janet Dishes collection:

One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni brings smoky sausage into a silky tomato cream base.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta balances freshness and comfort in every twirl.
Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese is the ultimate cozy cheese bomb.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta offers a spicy twist to your pasta routine.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe is a lighter, protein-packed take on cream sauces.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it whenever a craving hits.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add a crunchy topping? Did you spice it up with red pepper flakes or keep it mellow?

I always love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to drop questions, tweaks, or your own tasty twists.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and weeknight winners on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next obsession.

Conclusion

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—cheesy, hearty, satisfying, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you bake it up for guests or whip it up midweek, it never fails to deliver a cozy, creamy experience that brings everyone to the table.