When cozy comfort food meets bold, cheesy indulgence, the result is this irresistible Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce. Each bite of this dish delivers juicy seasoned chicken, tender rotini pasta, and an ultra-creamy garlic cheese sauce that clings to every twist and turn of the pasta. It’s one of those weeknight dinners that feels like a hug in a bowl—easy to make, satisfying to the soul, and so rich in flavor.

This meal brings together everything you crave in comfort food: gooey cheese, a hint of garlic, and perfectly pan-seared chicken with a flavorful char. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping leftovers for the week, this dish makes sure no one leaves the table hungry. Plus, it’s a hit with picky eaters and cheese lovers alike!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce, you’ll need a few trusty kitchen tools to make everything come together smoothly:

Large Skillet or Nonstick Frying Pan: This is key for getting that beautiful golden crust on the chicken without sticking. It helps lock in juices while creating a flavorful sear.
Medium Saucepan: Used to cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Having a good saucepan ensures even boiling and keeps the pasta from sticking.
Whisk: Essential for blending the cheese sauce into a velvety texture without clumps. Especially important when working with both Velveeta and shredded mozzarella.

Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: You’ll need these for dicing the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Garlic Press or Grater: Fresh garlic makes all the difference here, and a garlic press brings out its flavor instantly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate cheese, milk, and seasoning measurements.

When each tool is used properly, the result is a seamlessly cooked meal with incredible texture and balanced flavor.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Boneless Chicken Breast: The protein star of the dish. Cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and absorbs the seasoning beautifully.
Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape captures the cheese sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.

Velveeta Cheese: The secret to that ultra-smooth, creamy sauce. It melts evenly and gives a rich base.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a stretchy, gooey texture and a mild flavor that balances the Velveeta.
Fresh Garlic: Brings a bold, aromatic depth to the cheese sauce.

Whole Milk: Helps loosen the cheese into a pourable, creamy consistency.
Butter: Used to start the garlic sauce and to pan-sear the chicken for extra richness.
Olive Oil: Prevents the chicken from sticking and helps it brown evenly.

Salt and Black Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning every component.
Dried Basil or Italian Herbs: Optional but great for garnishing and adding a herby finish.

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Boil a medium saucepan of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Start the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a little more butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Melt the Cheeses

Pour in the milk and slowly add cubes of Velveeta cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. Stir in shredded mozzarella until fully combined and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rotini to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Then, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and gently fold it in.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle dried basil or Italian herbs over the top for a burst of flavor and presentation. Serve hot!

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta

For the ultimate comfort meal experience, serve this pasta fresh off the stove while the cheese is still creamy and warm. Pair it with a side salad or steamed broccoli to balance out the richness. Garlic bread also makes a perfect companion.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and warm over medium heat or in the microwave.

This dish also freezes well if stored without the pasta (just freeze the chicken and sauce). Add fresh cooked pasta when reheating for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s not spicy at all by default. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a gentle kick.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni all work well—just make sure it holds sauce nicely.

What can I substitute for Velveeta?

If you prefer a different texture or don’t have Velveeta on hand, a mix of cream cheese and cheddar can offer a creamy base with extra sharpness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook the pasta and combine everything when ready to serve.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very! The cheesy flavor and tender texture make it a favorite among kids. You can even sneak in some veggies.

Can I make it lighter?

To lighten it up, use reduced-fat cheese and milk, or swap part of the cheese sauce for blended cauliflower.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Cheesy Twist?

If you loved this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta, you’ll enjoy diving into more pasta comfort meals like these:

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for an extra crispy cheese crust.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a hearty twist on steak night.
Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta for sweet heat lovers.

One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for a bold savory kick.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a veggie-loaded comfort option.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in extra herbs? Go heavier on the garlic? Did your kids love it?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

👉 Find more weeknight favorites and cheesy comfort meals on my Pinterest: Life With Olivia Recipes

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Loaded with juicy pan-seared chicken, tender rotini, and an ultra-smooth garlic cheese sauce made from Velveeta and mozzarella — it’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.

Instructions

1. Boil a medium saucepan of salted water. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.

3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.

4. Pour in milk and slowly add Velveeta cubes. Whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in mozzarella until creamy.

5. Add cooked rotini and stir to coat evenly in sauce. Return chicken to skillet and mix until combined.

6. Sprinkle with dried basil or Italian herbs. Serve hot.