Rich, creamy, and packed with bold garlic flavor, this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce is the kind of meal that turns any regular dinner into a comfort-filled celebration. The golden Velveeta melts into a velvety cheese sauce, coating every ribbon of fettuccine with dreamy richness, while the seared seasoned chicken brings a savory depth that perfectly balances the creaminess. This dish hits all the right notes—indulgent yet approachable, bold yet familiar.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe gives you restaurant-style flavor without the fuss. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser, especially for cheese lovers and garlic fans. Let’s walk through everything you need to get started.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine come together smoothly, you’ll want a few key tools:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for searing the chicken and cooking the garlic sauce. Go for non-stick or stainless steel for better browning.
Large Pot: You’ll need this to boil the fettuccine. A wide, deep pot gives your pasta room to cook evenly.
Whisk: A must-have for stirring your cheese sauce to a silky consistency. It helps blend the Velveeta smoothly into the cream.

Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Useful for flipping chicken and tossing pasta with the sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy when adding cream, seasonings, and cheese.

Taking a moment to prep these tools ahead of time will make your cooking process feel effortless and fun.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce

Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the creamy, savory experience of this dish:

Fettuccine Pasta: The wide ribbons hold onto the cheesy sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, thighs provide a more tender bite compared to breast meat.

Velveeta Cheese: The star of the show! It melts into a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta.
Heavy Cream: Adds luscious richness to the sauce without overpowering the cheese.
Fresh Garlic: The backbone of flavor. Sautéed until golden, it gives the sauce its signature depth.

Butter: Used to sauté the garlic and kickstart the sauce base.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken to a perfect golden crust.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all the flavors.

Parsley (Fresh or Dried): Adds a touch of color and freshness to the final dish.
Paprika (Optional): For a bit of warmth and smoky color.

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Fettuccine

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add in Velveeta cubes and stir until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently toss to coat every strand. Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for color and brightness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine

This dish is best served fresh while the cheese sauce is hot and creamy. It pairs beautifully with sides like garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad. For a comforting dinner, serve it in shallow bowls to keep the sauce from pooling and to highlight the golden chicken.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and stir over low heat. Microwaving in short bursts with a cover also works well, but be sure not to overheat or the cheese may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?

If you prefer not to use Velveeta, a combination of cheddar and cream cheese can offer a similar creamy texture. Just make sure they melt smoothly.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breast works well too, but be careful not to overcook it to keep it juicy.

Is this dish spicy?

Nope! But if you like heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and even the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta and combine everything fresh for the creamiest texture.

How do I thin out the sauce if it thickens too much?

Just add a little reserved pasta water, milk, or even chicken broth and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

What herbs go well with this dish?

Parsley is classic, but fresh basil or thyme can also add a delicious twist.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine, here are a few more chicken pasta recipes from Life With Olivia that you’ll want to try next:

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a cheesy, crispy-topped twist.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta if you want a veggie-packed option.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for more creamy richness with extra garlic.
Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta when you crave a little sweet heat.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for a buttery, bold finish.

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And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you! Did you go for chicken thighs or breasts? Add extra garlic? Try any herbs or toppings?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Let’s keep the delicious ideas flowing together!

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4–6 servings

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Description

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine is the ultimate comfort dish—rich cheese sauce infused with garlic, poured over silky fettuccine and topped with golden seared chicken. It’s a cozy, satisfying dinner your whole family will love.