Description
If you’re craving a cozy and satisfying dinner idea that combines cheesy comfort with bold flavor, this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is your new go-to. Perfect for weeknight meals, this easy recipe layers juicy seasoned chicken over tender rigatoni pasta coated in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce made with Velveeta and mozzarella. It’s a quick dinner, indulgent comfort food, and an easy crowd-pleaser rolled into one. From simple food ideas to hearty dinner recipes, this dish checks every box for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp dried oregano
salt and black pepper to taste
12 oz rigatoni pasta
salt for boiling water
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1.5 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
salt to taste
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley plus extra for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and season with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
3. Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In the skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Stir in Velveeta cubes, then mozzarella, until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with black pepper and salt.
7. Add parsley, then stir in the cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with extra parsley and cracked pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated mozzarella for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
For the best chicken texture, always let it rest before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, velveeta chicken pasta, rigatoni recipe, easy dinner, comfort food