Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again! This Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender garlic-infused chicken, creamy yet fiery cheese sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta spirals. Every twirl is loaded with cheesy goodness, a kick of Cajun heat, and juicy bites of chicken, making it a crave-worthy weeknight favorite or the showstopper at your next get-together.

Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese is how simple and pantry-friendly the ingredients are. Each one serves a purpose: some bring richness, others add spice, while a few little touches give this pasta its iconic twist and irresistible aroma.

Chicken Breasts: Tender, protein-packed bites that soak up all that garlicky flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection and adding a subtle fruity richness.
Fresh Garlic: The key note – infuses the chicken and the entire dish with deep, savory aroma.
Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth, color, and a subtle smokiness to the chicken.
Chili Flakes: Optional, but perfect if you like extra heat in your creamy pasta.
Salt & Pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors into perfect balance.
Twisted Pasta (Cavatappi or Rotini): Perfect for hugging all that luscious cheese sauce in every bite.
Milk: A silky base for the spicy Velveeta cheese sauce.
Velveeta Cheese: Melts into a creamy, spicy dream of a sauce – the signature star!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and extra cheesiness for depth of flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings the sizzle and spice, giving this pasta its unmistakable kick.
Garlic Powder: Double down on garlic for a layered flavor effect.
Reserved Pasta Water: Helps the sauce cling to the pasta and reach that silky texture.
Fresh Parsley: For a burst of color and herbal freshness up top.
Extra Cheddar or Parmesan: Because more cheese is always welcome for garnish!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for those who want an extra fiery finish.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in your cavatappi or rotini and cook it up to al dente – you want those twists to have a little springy bite. Before draining, be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid is gold for loosening and binding your cheesy sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic Chicken

Heat up that olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces, seasoning them right away with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes if you’re craving some real heat. Let the chicken brown and cook through for about six to seven minutes – you’re looking for golden, juicy cubes. In the last minute, add the minced garlic and stir until just fragrant. That final hit of fresh garlic changes everything. Remove the chicken and set it aside, resisting the urge to snack on those aromatic bites!

Step 3: Create the Spicy Velveeta Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t wash away those chicken juices!), pour in the milk and warm it gently over medium heat. Add the Velveeta cubes and let them melt slowly, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Cajun seasoning, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. The sauce should be thick and glossy; if it feels too heavy, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. The result? A sauce that’s creamy with a twist of heat.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained twisted pasta right into the bubbling spicy Velveeta sauce. Toss everything together until every spiral is generously coated and shining. Nestle the garlicky chicken pieces on top, allowing them to soak up some of the sauce too. It’s a mouthwatering moment when everything comes together!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish your Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for color and a handful of extra cheddar or Parmesan for absolute decadence. If you love a little more fire, finish with a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese

Garnishes

Brighten each bowl with a flourish of fresh parsley, which not only adds a pop of color but wakes up all those bold flavors. Sprinkling over extra cheddar or Parmesan gives a gooey, melty layer on top. And a shake of crushed red pepper flakes makes the spicy notes sing. Simple touches, but they elevate each serving of Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty and rich, so sides that contrast the creaminess are ideal. Try a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, some roasted or steamed broccoli, or even a platter of blistered cherry tomatoes. And never underestimate the power of warm, crusty bread for mopping up every drop of that incredible sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For maximum wow-factor, serve Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese in individual pasta bowls or mini cast iron skillets. For gatherings, present it family-style in a big, colorful dish with the garnish on the side, letting everyone build their own perfect plate. Or swirl it artfully onto plates and top with a fancy cheese crisp for a gourmet touch. Let your personality shine through!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors actually meld and intensify over time, making your next serving extra tasty.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for up to two months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, tightly sealed. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir after reheating to bring back some of that saucy magic.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or a touch of water to loosen up the sauce. A gentle stir prevents any sticking or separating. For quick lunches, the microwave works too — just do it in short bursts, stirring in between, so the cheese stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! While twisted pasta like cavatappi or rotini is fantastic for capturing the cheese sauce, penne, fusilli, or shells also work beautifully. Just stick with shapes that have ridges or curves to hold all that goodness.

Is there a way to make it less spicy?

Certainly! Omit the chili flakes and use a milder Cajun seasoning, or reduce the amount for a gentler heat. You could even swap in smoked paprika by itself and let everyone add their own spice at the table.

What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?

If you don’t have Velveeta, a combination of cream cheese and mild cheddar can give a similar creamy feel, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Velveeta melts smoother, so expect a little more texture with substitutes.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! The garlic chicken can be cooked up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge so you can quickly toss it in when assembling the Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese for a speedy dinner.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with roasted or sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas to add protein and texture. The spicy Velveeta cheese sauce pairs beautifully with all kinds of veggies!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s unapologetically bold, packed with character, and always satisfying, give Garlic Chicken Twisted Pasta in Spicy Velveeta Cheese a try. It may just become your go-to comfort meal and the one you can’t wait to share with friends. Happy twirling, and enjoy every spicy, cheesy, garlicky bite!