Description

Ready to take your comfort food game to the next level? This *Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce* is a rich, velvety, and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for an easy dinner, quick weeknight fix, or indulgent lunch. Tender seared chicken thighs are paired with rigatoni pasta and smothered in a garlic-kissed cheese sauce made with Velveeta and mozzarella. Whether you’re looking for new dinner ideas, creamy pasta recipes, or a satisfying easy recipe that the whole family will devour, this one ticks every box. It’s hearty, fast, and completely delicious—ideal for anyone craving a warm bowl of cheesy comfort.

Ingredients

16 oz rigatoni pasta

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup heavy cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and rest.

4. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Add cubed Velveeta and stir until melted and smooth.

7. Stir in shredded mozzarella until fully melted and stretchy. Add pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

8. Add cooked rigatoni into the sauce and gently toss to coat.

9. Slice the rested chicken and serve on top or mixed in with the pasta.

10. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-packaged for better melt and texture.

Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices and tenderness.

Add pasta water gradually to adjust the thickness of the sauce to your preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 680
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, Velveeta recipe, chicken pasta, garlic sauce pasta