Amazing Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni Dinner

Name: Amazing Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rigatoni pasta; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 (16 ounce) box Velveeta cheese, cubed; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

by Jannet Lisa

14 de September de 2025

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Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni has become my ultimate go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying dinner. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic and melting cheese filled my kitchen, promising pure comfort food. This dish is so simple, making it an easy Velveeta chicken rigatoni that anyone can master, even on a busy weeknight. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for that first cheesy bite. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Velveeta chicken rigatoni that tastes like it came from a restaurant, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

You’re going to adore this dish for so many reasons:

The taste is pure decadence – a rich, cheesy, garlicky hug in a bowl.
It’s incredibly quick, making it a perfect quick Velveeta chicken rigatoni dinner.
While it’s indulgent, it balances flavor with a decent amount of protein from the chicken.

It’s wonderfully budget-friendly, using common pantry staples for a gourmet feel.
This is a truly family friendly Velveeta chicken rigatoni that even picky eaters will devour.
The blend of Velveeta and mozzarella creates an unbelievably smooth and cheesy Velveeta chicken pasta.

It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
You get that satisfying, gooey pull you expect from a great cheesy Velveeta chicken pasta bake.

Ingredients for Your Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Velveeta rigatoni with chicken:

1 pound rigatoni pasta – cook until al dente, as it will soften further in the sauce
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking
1 tablespoon olive oil – to get a nice sear on the chicken

1 (16 ounce) box Velveeta cheese, cubed – the star that makes this dish incredibly creamy and cheesy
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – adds extra meltiness and a milder cheese flavor
4 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential aromatic depth

1 cup heavy cream – creates a luxurious, smooth sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth – helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – essential for seasoning

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) – adds a pop of color and freshness

How to Make Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

Whipping up this delightful dish is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on your table in no time!

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, cook your 1 pound rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. I like to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining, just in case the sauce needs a little thinning later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Season your 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. Add the 4 cloves garlic, minced, and sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Now for the magic! Add the 1 (16 ounce) box Velveeta cheese, cubed, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet. Stir constantly, allowing the cheeses to melt completely into a smooth, luscious sauce. This is where the dish starts to feel truly special, creating that signature creamy chicken rigatoni Velveeta texture.

Step 5: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that Velveeta can be salty, so start with a little and add more if needed.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the drained rigatoni pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are completely coated in the glorious, cheesy sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This step ensures your creamy chicken rigatoni Velveeta is perfectly saucy.
Step 7: Serve your masterpiece immediately. For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy this delightful creamy chicken rigatoni Velveeta!

Amazing Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni Dinner - Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni - close-up of cheesy pasta

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

Elevate your Velveeta chicken rigatoni recipe with these insider tips for guaranteed deliciousness:

Cubing the Velveeta cheese before adding it to the sauce helps it melt more evenly and quickly, ensuring a smooth, lump-free finish.

Don’t overcook your rigatoni pasta; it should be just shy of al dente, as it will continue to soften in the hot sauce.
Using fresh garlic instead of powder makes a huge difference in the depth of flavor for your Velveeta chicken rigatoni.
If you like a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle warmth.

What’s the secret to perfect Velveeta chicken rigatoni?

The secret lies in the perfect balance of creamy Velveeta and melty mozzarella, enhanced by fresh garlic. This combination creates an incredibly rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken beautifully, making it a true Velveeta cheesy chicken rigatoni bake.

Can I make Velveeta chicken rigatoni ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken separately, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce, then toss with the cooked pasta. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out our latest recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Velveeta chicken rigatoni?

A common pitfall is overcooking the pasta; aim for al dente. Another is burning the garlic; cook it gently until fragrant. Finally, ensure you cube the Velveeta for consistent melting to avoid a clumpy sauce. Learning proper cooking techniques can help prevent these issues.

Best Ways to Serve Velveeta Rigatoni with Chicken

This hearty Velveeta rigatoni with chicken is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out the dinner. For a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta, I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. It cuts through the richness perfectly. You could also try some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for dipping into any extra sauce – it’s almost like a cheesy Velveeta pasta bake chicken experience! A side of steamed or roasted broccoli or green beans also adds a nice touch of color and a healthy balance. For more side dish inspiration, consider our creamed asparagus recipe.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional highlights for this comforting dish, per serving:

Calories: 750

Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Protein: 35g

Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 1200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your delicious Velveeta chicken rigatoni recipe. For more information on healthy eating, consult resources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Amazing Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni Dinner - Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni - ingredients laid out

How to Store and Reheat Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

This creamy pasta dish is fantastic for leftovers, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Once your delicious Velveeta comfort food chicken rigatoni has cooled completely, transfer it into airtight containers. It should keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it can last for up to 3 months. This makes having a comforting meal ready whenever you need it super easy. You might also enjoy our turkey meatballs for another make-ahead option.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through for even heating. Frozen portions should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using either of these methods. This ensures your Velveeta chicken rigatoni recipe stays just as creamy and satisfying as when it was first made.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Velveeta chicken rigatoni?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully flavorful and tend to stay moist. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces. They’ll work perfectly in this family friendly Velveeta chicken rigatoni dish and might even make it juicier.

My Velveeta chicken rigatoni sauce seems too thick. What can I do?

Don’t worry if your sauce is a bit too thick! The key is to add a little liquid. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining the rigatoni. A splash of this starchy water, added a tablespoon at a time to the sauce, will help loosen it up beautifully and make it extra creamy. This is a lifesaver for achieving that perfect sauce consistency for your easy Velveeta chicken rigatoni.

How can I make this Velveeta chicken rigatoni recipe spicier?

If you love a little heat, there are a few easy ways to spice up this dish! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic when you’re sautéing it. Another option is to stir in a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce into the cheese sauce as it melts. This will give your family friendly Velveeta chicken rigatoni a nice kick without altering the core flavor too much. For other spicy dishes, try our jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole.

What kind of cheese alternatives can I use for Velveeta chicken rigatoni?

While Velveeta is key to the signature creaminess, you can experiment. For a similar melt, try a combination of processed cheese like American cheese slices with a good melting cheddar. However, for the classic flavor and texture of this easy Velveeta chicken rigatoni, Velveeta is really hard to beat. Remember, using all-natural cheeses might result in a slightly different sauce consistency.

Variations of Creamy Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni You Can Try

While this Velveeta chicken rigatoni recipe is fantastic as is, I love to play around with it! Here are a few of my favorite twists:

Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic, or stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce into the cheese sauce. It transforms this into a zesty delight.
Veggie Boost: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, or even some wilted spinach can be stirred into the sauce along with the chicken and pasta, making it a more complete meal. For tips on preparing vegetables, see our guide on steaming broccoli.

Slow Cooker Method: For a truly hands-off approach, you can adapt this into a slow cooker meal. Brown the chicken first, then combine everything except the pasta in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Cook the pasta separately and stir it in before serving. It’s a great way to prep a quick Velveeta chicken rigatoni dinner.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to package directions and reserve that pasta water, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes require a bit more liquid to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.