If comfort food had a poster child, this creamy Velveeta chicken rotini pasta would be it. Imagine tender rotini noodles swimming in a velvety, cheesy sauce that’s loaded with garlic and mozzarella—paired with perfectly seasoned, pan-seared chicken bites. It’s the kind of dinner that fills the house with irresistible smells and brings everyone to the table fast.
This dish strikes the perfect balance of creamy and savory with just the right touch of garlic. The Velveeta melts down into a silky cheese sauce that clings to every twist of rotini, while the mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey finish. The golden chicken bites round it out with their crispy edges and juicy centers, making every bite satisfying.
What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for the Sauce?
Velveeta is your go-to for achieving that ultra-creamy, smooth texture in the sauce. It doesn’t separate or turn grainy when melted, which is why it’s perfect for pasta dishes. Mozzarella adds stretch and a mild, buttery flavor that complements the bold garlic undertone. For added depth, you could sprinkle in a little parmesan too.
Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
Rotini Pasta – This spiral-shaped pasta holds onto the sauce like a dream, ensuring each bite is coated with cheesy goodness.
Chicken Breast or Thighs – Diced and pan-seared until golden. Chicken adds protein and balances the richness of the sauce.
Velveeta Cheese – Melts into a smooth, creamy base that makes the sauce irresistibly velvety.
Mozzarella Cheese – Provides that stretchy, melty pull and enhances the garlic flavor.
Heavy Cream or Milk – Helps loosen the sauce while keeping it rich and luscious.
Garlic (Fresh or Powdered) – Essential for giving the sauce its bold and savory depth.
Butter – Used for sautéing garlic and creating the base of the sauce.
Italian Seasoning & Paprika – For seasoning the chicken and giving it a flavorful kick.
Salt & Black Pepper – To balance and enhance all the flavors.
Parsley or Basil (Optional) – For garnish and a fresh finish.


How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream or milk, then slowly stir in the Velveeta chunks. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Fold in the mozzarella until it melts and the sauce becomes stretchy and rich.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rotini and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated with the cheese sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the consistency.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and maybe even an extra sprinkle of mozzarella. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta
This dish is best served immediately while the cheese sauce is hot and melty. For a full meal, pair it with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted veggies. It also makes a hearty potluck or weekday dinner.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the dairy may separate and affect the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the cheese sauce, or season your chicken with chili powder.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great and cuts down on prep time.
What can I substitute for Velveeta?
Cream cheese or a mix of cheddar and milk can be used, but the texture won’t be quite as smooth.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, just use gluten-free rotini pasta and double-check that your cheeses and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Can I add veggies to this?
Totally. Broccoli, spinach, or peas are great additions. Just blanch or sauté them before mixing into the pasta.
How do I avoid the sauce becoming too thick?
Keep a bit of reserved pasta water or milk handy. Adding a splash while reheating or if it thickens too much helps bring it back to that creamy consistency.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta, try these next:
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
- One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine
- Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta
- One Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta
For more cheesy and comforting dinner ideas, follow me on Pinterest at Life with Nina.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 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 spice up the sauce or add a veggie twist? Maybe tried it with shell pasta instead of rotini?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.


Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini Pasta blends tender pasta with juicy, seasoned chicken in a rich garlic mozzarella cheese sauce. It’s the perfect cozy dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and kid-approved.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil the rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully done. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in cream or milk. Add Velveeta cubes and melt until smooth. Stir in mozzarella until fully combined and stretchy.
4. Add the cooked rotini and chicken to the sauce. Stir to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin if needed.
5. Garnish with parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or cayenne during sauce making.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach to boost the nutrition.
Always stir cheese in gradually to maintain a smooth texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: velveeta pasta, cheesy chicken rotini, creamy garlic pasta
