Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

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If you’re looking to impress your dinner crowd without breaking a sweat, this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is your golden ticket. Rich, savory, and irresistibly creamy, it blends the comfort of southern home cooking with the elegance of a classic Italian dish. Perfectly seasoned chicken is seared to a golden crisp, paired with silky linguine swirled in a buttery garlic sauce, and finished with the ultimate cheese duo: Velveeta and mozzarella.

This dish is perfect for weeknights when you want comfort food fast or a weekend gathering where everyone wants seconds. It’s indulgent, packed with flavor, and comes together in a way that feels both easy and elevated. Think creamy Alfredo vibes but with a southern twist of sharpness and cheesy goodness you only get from Velveeta.

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What Kind of Cheese Works Best for the Sauce?

Velveeta is the secret weapon in this dish. It melts like a dream, creating a velvety smooth sauce that clings to every strand of linguine. But what takes it over the top is the addition of mozzarella. Mozzarella adds a mild stretchiness and a slight tang that balances Velveeta’s creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of parmesan at the end adds a nutty depth.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

• Chicken Breasts or Tenders – Boneless and skinless, these cook quickly and soak up the seasoning beautifully. They’re the heart of the savory contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Linguine Pasta – Long, thick noodles that hold onto the sauce with every twirl.
• Velveeta Cheese – The creamy base that melts seamlessly, creating that luscious texture.
• Shredded Mozzarella – Adds a gooey, stretchy finish to the sauce that elevates the comfort factor.
• Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce its richness and binds the cheeses together.
• Garlic (Minced) – For that irresistible aromatic depth and warm spice.
• Butter – Adds gloss and flavor to both the sauce and the seared chicken.
• Seasonings – Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt create a bold rub for the chicken.
• Parsley (Fresh or Dried) – A touch of green to garnish and brighten up the richness.

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How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting dry your chicken breasts or tenders, then rub them with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This adds bold flavor and ensures a beautifully browned crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, melt a bit of butter and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, set aside to rest, then slice.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), then pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a low simmer, then add cubed Velveeta. Stir until fully melted.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Combine

Stir in shredded mozzarella until melted and the sauce becomes stretchy and smooth. Add in the cooked linguine and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the creamy linguine, top with sliced chicken, and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot and enjoy the layers of flavor and texture!

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Chicken Linguine

This dish is best served hot right after combining the pasta with the cheese sauce and topping it with chicken. For extra presentation points, garnish with a bit of extra parsley and freshly cracked pepper.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce, as it thickens when chilled.

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the dairy content – the texture may become grainy when thawed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another pasta shape instead of linguine?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne would all work well with the creamy sauce.

Is there a substitute for Velveeta?

You can use American cheese or a mix of cheddar and cream cheese for a similar texture, but Velveeta really gives the creamiest result.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and refrigerate. Reheat everything gently and cook the pasta just before serving.

What vegetables go well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted asparagus pair wonderfully to balance the richness.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. But if you’d like a kick, a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes in the seasoning blend works great!

How do I keep the cheese from clumping?

Keep the heat low when adding the cheeses and stir constantly to melt evenly. Also, shredding your own mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded helps avoid clumps.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this creamy linguine hits the spot, you might also enjoy these comforting favorites:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a luscious, tangy twist.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine if you like zesty with savory.
• One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta to add some sweet heat.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a beefy, garlicky classic.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce to switch up the shape and protein.

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And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you go extra garlicky or toss in some veggies? Add a pinch of spice or top it with crispy onions?

I absolutely love hearing your twists on these recipes. For more delicious inspiration, follow me on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

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