I can’t tell you how many times this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce has saved me on a busy weeknight. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with juicy, well-seasoned chicken. I started making this when I wanted to jazz up boxed pasta nights, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s indulgent in the best way, yet still easy enough to throw together even when I’m short on time or energy.

What I love most about this dish is how it balances comfort and flavor. The Velveeta gives the pasta that signature creamy texture, while the mozzarella adds stringy, gooey richness on top. Then there’s the garlic herb sauce that ties everything together—and don’t even get me started on the seared chicken. It’s well-seasoned, slightly crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, making every bite totally satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress some guests, this one is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Ultra creamy: Thanks to Velveeta and mozzarella, this pasta is luxuriously smooth and cheesy.
Quick to make: It’s done in under 40 minutes from prep to plate.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it—especially kids.
Satisfying: Protein-packed with chicken, it works as a full meal.
Versatile: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or tweak spices to make it your own.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce?

I personally love using rotini for this dish because the twists are perfect for grabbing onto that creamy cheese sauce. Every bite delivers a rich mix of cheese, herbs, and garlic. That said, if you don’t have rotini on hand, fusilli, penne, or even elbow macaroni can get the job done just fine. Just make sure to choose a pasta shape with grooves or twists—something that can hold onto the sauce rather than letting it slide off.

Short pastas are ideal for dishes like this because they keep everything balanced on the plate. Long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine might feel out of place here and won’t give you that forkful of evenly distributed cheesy goodness.

Options for Substitutions

Cheese: No Velveeta? No problem. You can swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of shredded cheeses. If you like it extra creamy, a little cream cheese goes a long way too.
Mozzarella: Feel free to use provolone or a pizza blend if that’s what you have. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.
Chicken: Boneless thighs can be used instead of breast for extra juiciness. Rotisserie chicken is also a great shortcut.
Garlic Sauce: While fresh garlic is ideal, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. You can also add a splash of cream or broth to thin it out if needed.
Pasta: As mentioned, fusilli, penne, or elbows all work great. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used for a healthier spin.

Ingredients for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Rotini Pasta
This twisted pasta shape is ideal for holding onto all the cheesy garlic sauce in every bite.
Chicken Breast
Diced and seasoned, it provides a protein-packed, juicy component that balances the creamy pasta.
Velveeta Cheese
This melts down into a creamy, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly without clumping.
Shredded Mozzarella
Added on top for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull and extra layer of richness.
Fresh Garlic
Sautéed for flavor, it infuses the sauce with that bold garlicky aroma we all crave.
Butter
Helps sauté the garlic and forms the base of the sauce with a silky richness.
Milk or Heavy Cream
Blends with the Velveeta to thin out the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
Olive Oil
Used to sear the chicken, helping it get that golden crust while locking in moisture.
Salt & Pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance both the chicken and the sauce without overpowering them.
Dried Parsley or Italian Seasoning
Adds color and a touch of herbaceous flavor, making the dish look and taste even more delicious.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside—about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and just slightly golden—about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce

Add Velveeta cubes to the skillet along with milk or cream. Stir constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss it gently in the cheesy garlic sauce until fully coated.

Step 6: Add Mozzarella and Finish

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Optional: Broil in the oven for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden top.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Spoon the cheesy pasta onto a plate and top or serve it alongside the seared chicken. Finish with a dusting of dried parsley or more Italian seasoning for that final touch.

How Long to Cook Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This recipe is incredibly efficient without sacrificing flavor. Here’s a quick time breakdown:

Prep Time: 10 minutes (for cutting chicken, mincing garlic, and boiling water)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Pasta: ~10 minutes
- Chicken: ~8 minutes
- Sauce + Combining: ~7 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes

You can trim off even more time by using pre-cooked chicken or prepping ingredients in advance.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Cut chicken evenly: This ensures every piece cooks at the same rate, keeping them juicy and avoiding overcooking.
Use freshly grated mozzarella: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked (al dente) pasta works best, so it doesn’t get mushy after being added to the sauce.
Use pasta water wisely: A splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
Broil for golden cheese: If you want that beautiful, slightly browned top layer, pop the skillet or baking dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes—just watch it closely.
Keep it warm with a lid: After melting the mozzarella, leave the lid on for a minute or two to keep everything hot and gooey until ready to serve.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overheating the Velveeta: High heat can cause the cheese to break and become grainy. Always melt it slowly over medium or low heat.
Skipping the garlic sauté: Raw garlic doesn’t bring the same depth of flavor. Let it cook just until golden for best results.
Using dry chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken, especially if using breast meat. It should be seared until just cooked through and still juicy.
Adding mozzarella too early: If you add it before reducing the heat, it can clump instead of melting evenly. Always lower the heat or cover the skillet before adding mozzarella.
Not seasoning in layers: Add a bit of salt and pepper to each component—chicken, sauce, and pasta—for a full-bodied taste.

What to Serve With Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce?

Garlic Bread

A classic side to soak up all that leftover cheese sauce on the plate.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan, and creamy dressing balance the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Veggies

Try broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini roasted with olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze—light and refreshing.

Pickled Cucumbers or Onions

Something tangy and sharp cuts through the heaviness of the cheese in the best way.

Toasted Baguette Slices

Crispy, buttery slices are perfect for scooping up extra bites of cheesy goodness.

Iced Lemon Water or Sparkling Citrus Drink

A bright drink helps cleanse your palate and pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.

Light Soup Starter

A small bowl of tomato basil or clear broth-based soup gets your appetite going without filling you up too fast.

Storage Instructions

If you end up with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this pasta stores really well. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it. Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. For the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Values may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: ~620
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 940mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

This recipe is rich, filling, and definitely falls into the “comfort food” category—perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Velveeta and regular cheddar in this recipe?

Velveeta melts more smoothly and consistently, giving the sauce a creamy, velvety texture. Regular cheddar can sometimes separate or get grainy if overheated.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it with a splash of milk. However, it tastes best fresh, especially when the mozzarella is melty and gooey.

What if I don’t have heavy cream or milk?

You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even just reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency. It won’t be as rich, but it still works well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the chicken and consider adding mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies for a hearty meatless version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Just shred it and stir it in at the end to warm it through. It’s a great shortcut and still very flavorful.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping?

Melt Velveeta slowly over medium-low heat, and add mozzarella only after removing from direct heat or covering the skillet. Stir gently and avoid overheating.

Can I bake this pasta instead of cooking on the stovetop?

Yes! Once everything is combined and topped with mozzarella, you can transfer it to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is pure comfort food that doesn’t take a ton of effort. It brings together creamy cheese, savory chicken, and flavorful garlic in a way that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re whipping it up on a weeknight or serving guests at your table, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast. With endless options for variations and simple ingredients you probably already have, it’s bound to make a regular appearance on your dinner menu.