Description
This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a cheesy, comforting pasta dish packed with tender chicken, garlic-infused cream sauce, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this easy recipe uses rigatoni pasta and Velveeta for a smooth, velvety texture that clings to every bite. Ideal for lovers of creamy chicken pasta, garlic cheese sauces, and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni pasta
2 large chicken breasts
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently until it thickens slightly. Add in the Velveeta and melt until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the cooked rigatoni and sliced chicken into the skillet and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
8. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or parmesan if desired.
Notes
This recipe makes excellent leftovers and reheats beautifully with a splash of cream or milk.
You can add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Don’t skip cooking the pasta al dente; it helps avoid mushiness after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg