Description
Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Tender rigatoni is coated in a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce made with Velveeta and mozzarella, and tossed with juicy chicken for a hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in Velveeta cubes and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning if using.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir in cooked rigatoni. Toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: velveeta chicken rigatoni, creamy garlic pasta, mozzarella sauce, cheesy chicken pasta, comfort food