Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is comfort food at its finest. Each bite wraps you in a velvety, cheesy hug that’s bursting with savory garlic, juicy chicken, and tender rigatoni. The golden richness of Velveeta melts seamlessly into the mozzarella garlic sauce, giving the pasta an irresistibly creamy texture that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Perfect for weeknights when you want something easy yet indulgent, this dish comes together with pantry staples and packs a serious punch of flavor. It’s cheesy, saucy, and delightfully indulgent without being overly complicated. Whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself, this rigatoni recipe delivers cozy satisfaction every time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast. It’s got the richness of melted Velveeta paired with the stringy goodness of mozzarella, all laced with the bold bite of garlic. Chicken adds a hearty, protein-rich base, while rigatoni holds onto all that sauce in every ridge. The balance of textures and flavors makes it incredibly crave-worthy.

Plus, it’s a one-pan comfort dish that’s perfect for any skill level. From beginner cooks to seasoned pros looking for something low-effort and high-reward, this one delivers every time.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni?

Rigatoni is ideal for this recipe because of its ridged surface and hollow shape, which grab onto that luscious sauce with every bite. But if you’re in a pinch, penne or ziti can step in just fine. They’re also tubular pastas that hold up well in creamy sauces. However, the true star remains rigatoni because its size and texture provide the ultimate base for that rich Velveeta and mozzarella sauce combo.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This creamy chicken rigatoni relies on familiar, easy-to-find ingredients that combine to create a luscious, flavor-packed pasta dish. The magic is all in the cheese and garlic, but each element has a role to play in bringing out the comfort-food vibes you’ll crave again and again.

Rigatoni pasta
Cooked chicken breast
Velveeta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Garlic cloves
Heavy cream
Butter
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Parsley (optional for garnish)

The rigatoni pasta serves as the perfect vehicle for the sauce, thanks to its thick shape and ridges. Cooked chicken breast brings substance and protein to the dish, while Velveeta cheese offers that classic melt and ultra-smooth texture. Mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, stringy touch that enhances the cheesy goodness. Garlic cloves infuse the sauce with warmth and depth, and heavy cream gives it richness. Butter and olive oil work together to sauté the garlic and build the sauce base. Seasonings like salt and black pepper pull the flavors together, and a sprinkle of parsley at the end brightens the entire dish.

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce 2

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Don’t let it brown—you just want it golden and aromatic.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, letting it warm. Then add cubed Velveeta and stir until melted and smooth. Add shredded mozzarella and continue stirring until fully incorporated into the sauce.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Seasoning

Stir in the cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer a few minutes so everything melds together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained rigatoni directly to the skillet and stir well to coat each piece with that creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon into bowls while hot, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

This hearty pasta dish serves about 4 to 6 people generously, making it a smart pick for family dinners or meal prep. When you serve it fresh, the cheese pulls beautifully with every spoonful, and the garlic scent alone is enough to gather everyone at the table. If you want a little extra flair, top each bowl with a pinch more mozzarella or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. It’s not ideal for freezing, as the creamy cheese sauce can separate upon thawing, but it will still taste delicious if you go that route.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce

Garlic Bread

A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce and balancing the creaminess with a bit of crunch.

Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and tangy dressing brings brightness and crunch to complement the richness of the rigatoni.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli adds a slightly bitter contrast and some much-needed greens to round out the meal.

Caprese Skewers

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing, no-cook side that pairs perfectly with the warm pasta.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy and buttery, mushrooms make a great companion to the cheesy garlic sauce.

Parmesan Zucchini Chips

Lightly breaded and crisped in the oven, these add texture and a salty-savory bite that plays nicely with the creamy dish.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness with freshness and zing.

Antipasto Platter

Cured meats, olives, artichokes, and cheese offer a colorful, hearty spread to start the meal or serve on the side.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Creamy Twist?

If you’re a fan of this creamy Velveeta chicken rigatoni, you’ll probably want to try a few more cheesy comfort meals. Here are some indulgent ideas you can find right here on Mia Plates:

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a meaty twist on white sauce.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe that’s rich, cozy, and always a hit with kids.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for an easy, quick dinner with creamy vibes.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce if you like your pasta with baked edges and bubbling cheese.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a decadent, savory spin on pasta night.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in some extra herbs or spice it up with crushed red pepper? Did you switch up the pasta?

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

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