When you need a dinner that’s comforting, indulgent, and incredibly easy to pull together, this creamy Velveeta chicken rotini pasta delivers every single time. Tender rotini noodles soak up a luscious cheese sauce made from the unbeatable combination of Velveeta and mozzarella, with a hint of garlic to give it that irresistible aroma. Juicy pieces of chicken add protein and heartiness, turning this pasta into a full, satisfying meal.
This dish is the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy without being heavy, thanks to the smooth melt of Velveeta and the stretch of mozzarella. The garlic-infused sauce clings to every curve of the rotini, so you get a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s weeknight-friendly, yet rich enough to serve for a casual get-together when you want to impress without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
You’ll adore this pasta because it merges the nostalgia of Velveeta’s creamy melt with the familiar stretch of mozzarella. The rotini pasta ensures every forkful captures the cheesy goodness, and the garlic lends a subtle savory note that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
What Kind of Chicken Works Best for This Pasta?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for their lean, mild flavor that soaks up the cheese sauce beautifully. However, boneless chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and a richer taste if you prefer something heartier. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
This recipe brings together a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create layers of creamy, cheesy flavor. Each component plays an important role, from the pasta base to the gooey cheeses and fragrant garlic.
- Rotini pasta – The spiral shape catches every bit of the sauce for maximum flavor in each bite.
- Chicken breast or thighs – Provides tender, protein-rich bites that make the dish satisfying.
- Velveeta cheese – Creates a creamy, smooth base that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese – Adds that signature cheesy stretch and mild flavor.
- Garlic cloves – Infuses the sauce with a savory aroma and depth.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic to perfection.
- Milk – Thins the sauce slightly, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper – Brings a gentle heat and seasoning balance.


How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken in a bit of butter or olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add milk to the skillet and slowly stir in the Velveeta cubes, letting them melt into a smooth sauce. Once melted, add the shredded mozzarella and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and rotini to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with extra mozzarella or fresh herbs if desired.
Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
This recipe makes enough to generously feed 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy family-style meal, or portion it into individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to help restore the sauce’s creaminess and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
Garlic Bread
The ultimate companion for scooping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Roasted Vegetables
A colorful medley of roasted broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provides a refreshing contrast.
Steamed Asparagus
Lightly seasoned asparagus spears add a hint of earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy sauce.
Caprese Salad
Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a bright, tangy note to the table.
Sautéed Spinach
A quick, garlicky side that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Grilled Zucchini
Tender slices with light grill marks add a smoky element to the meal.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If you love this creamy Velveeta chicken rotini pasta, you might enjoy exploring these other comforting pasta creations from Janet Dishes:
- Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a vibrant, veggie-packed twist.
- One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a hearty, savory dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta if you want a little spice in your creamy sauce.
- Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for a bowl of pasta-infused comfort.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can return to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with classic chicken breast, or try juicy thighs? Did you add extra mozzarella for more stretch?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome – let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.
Explore beautifully curated cheesy pasta favorites and more on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to comfort dish!
Conclusion
This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is pure comfort in a bowl. With its rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special and weekends even better. Whether you pair it with fresh veggies, a crisp salad, or buttery garlic bread, it’s sure to win a spot in your dinner rotation.
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Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is a quick, family-friendly weeknight dinner loaded with tender chicken, spiral rotini, and a velvety two-cheese garlic sauce. This creamy chicken pasta recipe blends Velveeta and mozzarella for extra smooth melt and stretchy pull, making it the perfect comfort food for busy nights. Keywords: Velveeta chicken rotini, mozzarella garlic cheese sauce, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
12 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1.5 cups whole milk
1 tsp kosher salt divided
0.5 tsp black pepper divided
2 tbsp chopped parsley optional for garnish
0.5 cup reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini until al dente; reserve 0.5 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Pat chicken dry and season with half the salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium with 1 tbsp butter; cook chicken 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet; saute minced garlic 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low; pour in milk and warm gently.
6. Stir in Velveeta cubes, a handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth.
7. Add mozzarella; stir until melted and the sauce is silky. Season with remaining salt and pepper.
8. Return chicken to the pan, add rotini, and toss to coat; loosen with splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce clings beautifully.
9. Garnish with parsley if using; serve hot.
Notes
Use thighs for extra juiciness if you prefer dark meat.
Warm the milk before adding cheese to help it melt faster and stay smooth.
If reheating, stir in a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg