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Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

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This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and bold garlic flavor. Quick, satisfying, and family-friendly, this pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends.

Ingredients

  • Rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, diced and seasoned
  • 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced or roasted
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Build Cheese Sauce: Stir in cream or half-and-half. Add Velveeta cubes and stir until melted. Reduce heat to low and mix in mozzarella until smooth.
  5. Combine Everything: Return chicken to the skillet, stir in cooked pasta, and toss until evenly coated in sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Substitute chicken with cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey.
  • Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
  • Add red pepper flakes with the garlic for a kick.
  • For a baked version, top with more mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.
  • Use half-and-half or whole milk with cream cheese if out of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/creamy-velveeta-chicken-rigatoni-with-mozzarella-garlic-sauce/