Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

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If you’re craving a dish that brings together the comfort of melty cheese, tender chicken, and rich garlic flavor, this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is pure pasta bliss. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day—satisfying, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent.

The rigatoni holds onto that creamy garlic sauce like it was made for it, while the Velveeta brings a melt-in-your-mouth silkiness that coats every bite. Add juicy, seasoned chicken and a layer of gooey mozzarella on top, and you have a meal that easily earns its place in your weekly dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe is a weeknight savior. It comes together quickly, makes a generous portion, and is nearly impossible to mess up. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hungry adults, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. The combination of creamy Velveeta and melty mozzarella creates a cheese lover’s dream, while garlic brings in the flavor kick you didn’t know you needed.

Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers or meal prepping. You can dress it up with veggies or keep it simple—either way, it’s a winner.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for This Creamy Chicken Recipe?

Rigatoni is the star here for a reason. Its large, ridged tubes are perfect for holding onto all that creamy, cheesy goodness. If you’re in a pinch, penne or ziti will work too, but rigatoni delivers the best texture and sauce-to-pasta ratio. It gives every bite a satisfying chew while still soaking up that luscious garlic sauce.

You could also try it with whole wheat pasta or even gluten-free options—the beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t go mushy once baked.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient adds something important to the final flavor and texture. These components come together to create a creamy, cheesy, comforting masterpiece that’s both easy to cook and deeply satisfying.

• Rigatoni pasta
• Chicken breast
• Velveeta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Garlic
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Olive oil

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and stir continuously until it begins to thicken. Lower the heat and melt in the Velveeta cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Add the cooked rigatoni and sliced chicken into the sauce and mix to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Bake

Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.

Step 6: Serve

Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This dish is hearty enough to serve as a full meal on its own, feeding about 6 people generously. If you’re entertaining, it makes a perfect main course paired with some light sides. The creaminess of the cheese sauce pairs especially well with something fresh or crunchy to balance the richness.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. It also freezes well—portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a natural match with this cheesy rigatoni. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and a touch of tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

Lightly charred broccoli with olive oil and sea salt makes a great veggie side that complements the pasta without overpowering it.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple, vibrant, and slightly sweet, green beans offer a pop of color and balance to the meal.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These add a touch of acidity and roasted crunch that works beautifully next to the soft, creamy pasta.

Tomato Basil Soup

A warm, tangy soup can be served as a starter to round out the comfort-food experience.

Italian Antipasto Platter

Offering a few cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables on the side can add contrast and interest to your table.

Sparkling Lemonade or Iced Tea

For drinks, go with something refreshing and citrusy to cleanse the palate between cheesy bites.

Want More Cheesy Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce, here are some more indulgent, savory dishes you need to try:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a smoky twist on creamy pasta.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you’re craving something rich and vegetarian.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine when you want bold flavor and spice in your bowl.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe for a zesty weeknight dinner.
• Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce for something a little unexpected and spicy.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or spicy peppers? Did you toss in spinach or make it vegetarian?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.

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Conclusion

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is the kind of meal that brings comfort and satisfaction in every forkful. It’s rich but not overwhelming, cheesy without being heavy, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for the family, guests, or just yourself, this recipe is bound to become a regular on your table.

Take a few minutes to make it once, and you’ll be dreaming of the leftovers before the first serving is even gone.

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