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Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni in Four-Cheese Sauce

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A creamy, cheesy pasta dish packed with tender chicken pieces and a blend of four rich cheeses, perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 820
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta Cook until al dente
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter Plus more for the sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional) For a bit of spice
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Searing the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Creating the Four-Cheese Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
  3. Gradually whisk in the Velveeta until smooth, then add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, stirring until integrated into a silky, creamy sauce.
Combining Everything
  1. Add the cooked rigatoni and the seared chicken back into the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly.
  2. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Finishing & Serving
  1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve hot, alongside garlic bread or a light salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 820kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 42gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 26gSodium: 1200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezes well when sealed. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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