Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta With Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Oh my goodness, you’re in for a treat with this cheesy Velveeta chicken twisted pasta with mozzarella garlic sauce! This is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Picture this: tender chicken pieces swimming in that velvety Velveeta cheese sauce, all tangled up with twisted pasta that catches every bit of that glorious mozzarella garlic goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at my table go quiet – except for the happy “mmm” sounds, of course! I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it until it became absolute perfection. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your new favorite weeknight lifesaver too.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This recipe is a game-changer, and here’s why:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Creamy Comfort: The combo of Velveeta and mozzarella creates the silkiest, most indulgent sauce you’ve ever tasted.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this dish. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and totally crowd-pleasing.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap in different proteins, or kick up the spice – it’s super versatile.
• Leftover Magic: Tastes just as amazing reheated the next day (if there’s any left, that is!).

Honestly, this pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. You’ll be making it on repeat, trust me!

Ingredients for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun with this recipe! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked twisted pasta – I like rotini or fusilli because those curls hold onto all that cheesy goodness
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces)
• 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed into small chunks (makes melting quicker!)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – buy pre-shredded or shred your own
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (that’s about 1 teaspoon minced)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – trust me, it’s worth it for that velvety texture
• 1 tbsp butter – unsalted works best
• 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it
• 1/4 tsp paprika – adds just a hint of warmth

See? Simple ingredients you probably already have! Now let’s turn them into magic.

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How to Make Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Alright, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cheesy masterpiece in no time.

1. Cook the pasta: Start by cooking your twisted pasta according to the package instructions. I usually aim for al dente because it holds up better in the sauce. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside – no need to rinse!
2. Cook the chicken: While the pasta’s boiling, grab a large skillet and melt that tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add your cubed chicken and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink. Don’t overcook it – we want it tender, not dry!
3. Add the garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for just 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it – garlic can turn bitter fast!
4. Melt the Velveeta: Reduce the heat to low and stir in those Velveeta cubes. Keep stirring until they’re completely melted and smooth. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Pour in the cream: Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. This creates that luxurious, velvety sauce we’re after. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling.
6. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta, shredded mozzarella, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir it all together until the cheese is fully melted and everything is beautifully coated. It should look like a cheesy dream!
7. Serve hot: Dish it up immediately while it’s still piping hot. Trust me, you won’t want to wait!

And that’s it! Easy, right? You’ll have a creamy, cheesy, garlicky dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Want to take your pasta game to the next level? Here are my can’t-live-without tips that I’ve learned after making this dish a zillion times:

• Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic if you like a little heat. My husband swears by this version!
• Don’t rush the melt: Keep the heat low when melting the Velveeta – high heat makes it grainy instead of silky smooth.
• Fresh is best: Grate your own mozzarella if you can – it melts way better than the pre-shredded kind with anti-caking agents.
• Pasta water magic: Save about 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water to thin the sauce if needed – it works better than regular water.
• Creamy leftovers: When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir frequently – it brings back that luscious creaminess perfectly.

Follow these little tricks, and you’ll have restaurant-quality results every single time!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient – this recipe is super forgiving! Here’s my cheat sheet for swaps and notes:

• Velveeta alternatives: No Velveeta? Use 1 cup of American cheese instead. The texture won’t be quite as smooth, but it’ll still be deliciously cheesy.
• Heavy cream: Half-and-half works in a pinch, or even whole milk mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter. Just know the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
• Pasta shapes: Any short pasta works – penne, bowties, or even shells are great for catching sauce.
• Chicken: Already have cooked chicken? Use 2 cups shredded instead of raw. Turkey works too!
• Garlic lovers: I sometimes roast the garlic first for a mellower, deeper flavor – game changer!

See? Plenty of ways to make it work with what you’ve got!

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This pasta is a star on its own, but a few simple sides can make it a full meal! I love pairing it with warm garlic bread for extra coziness or a crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness. For a pop of color, add steamed broccoli or roasted cherry tomatoes on the side. So good!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Here’s how to keep your pasta perfect for later! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. The microwave works too – just use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds to keep that creamy texture. Trust me, it’ll taste just as dreamy the next day!

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating (not that you’ll care once you taste it!): Each generous serving packs about 450 calories, with 30g of protein to keep you full and 35g of carbs for energy. You’re looking at 22g of fat (12g saturated) from all that glorious cheese – totally worth it if you ask me! Keep in mind that exact numbers might shift based on your specific ingredients and brands. But hey, comfort food isn’t meant to be perfect – it’s meant to be enjoyed!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

I get asked about this recipe all the time! Here are the most common questions with my tried-and-true answers: