If you are craving a dish that is irresistibly cheesy, wonderfully creamy, and packed with tender chicken, then you have to try this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe. This comforting meal blends silky fettuccine pasta with a luscious garlic-infused Velveeta cheese sauce, perfectly complementing succulent pieces of seasoned chicken. Every bite offers a rich texture and a burst of flavor that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this recipe so memorable.
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta: This wide, flat noodle captures the creamy sauce beautifully, making every forkful hearty and satisfying.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced: Tender protein that soaks up the seasoning and adds substance to the meal.
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed: The star ingredient that melts into an irresistibly smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create a luscious, velvety texture for the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory depth that brightens every bite.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For searing the chicken and sautéing garlic, adding a delicious layer of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful warmth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the richness of the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a little kick to keep things interesting.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional): Helps loosen the sauce if you want it silkier while maintaining a great consistency.
How to Make Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them well with paprika, salt, and black pepper to ensure each morsel is flavorful. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or a little oil, then sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Setting the chicken aside for a moment helps you keep the sauce in the same pan for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the fettuccine until it’s al dente—firm but cooked through. Be sure to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid will come in handy later to adjust your sauce’s consistency.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Cheese Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and quickly sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Now, stir in those cubes of Velveeta cheese, whisking continuously until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce that’s rich and velvety to the eye and palate.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked fettuccine right into the skillet with the cheese sauce, coating the noodles thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it, creating a perfectly clingy yet saucy texture that hugs every strand of pasta.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Simmer
Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, letting them mingle with the pasta and sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly, and the chicken stays warm and tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top. This not only adds a splash of vibrant green but also a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness.
How to Serve Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is classic and refreshing, you might also consider a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Each garnish elevates the dish differently and lets you tailor the final presentation to your mood or guests.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh side salads such as a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad to add crunch and balance. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make excellent companions, providing a lovely contrast in texture and adding color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls and add a sprig of fresh herbs on top. You could also plate it alongside garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a no-fail crowd-pleaser. Consider finishing it with a drizzle of truffle oil for a special occasion, turning this already wonderful recipe into a gourmet delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps your creamy Velveeta cheese sauce fresh and your chicken perfectly tender.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well if you want to save some for later. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge to keep the best consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess without breaking the sauce. You can also use the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring in between to prevent the sauce from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is ideal for this recipe because its wide surface holds the sauce well, you can substitute it with linguine, penne, or even rotini for a fun twist without losing any flavor.
Is Velveeta cheese necessary for the sauce?
Velveeta melts exceptionally smoothly, giving the sauce its signature creaminess. However, if you prefer, you can use processed cheese or a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for a homemade feel, but the texture and melting quality may vary.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream and use less butter. Also, reducing the Velveeta quantity will lighten the dish, though it might be less rich and creamy.
What can I add for more flavor complexity?
Try adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. These additions provide interesting texture and depth without overwhelming the classic cheesy chicken flavor.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, replace the fettuccine with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be mindful of cooking times as gluten-free pasta often cooks faster and may have a different texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and utterly delicious about the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe that truly makes it a go-to for any cheesy pasta lover. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet decadent enough to impress friends or family. Trust me, once you try this rich and savory dish, it will have a permanent spot in your recipe collection, ready to brighten even the busiest of days.
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Creamy Velveeta Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Velveeta chicken fettuccine features tender seared chicken breast tossed in a rich garlic cheese sauce made with Velveeta and heavy cream. The fettuccine pasta is coated in this luscious sauce, making for a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (for searing)
Garlic Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, then season them evenly with paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil. Sear the seasoned chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Gradually stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, cooking until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the cheese sauce, tossing well to ensure every strand is coated. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, mixing them gently with the pasta and sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving hot.
Notes
- Using Velveeta cheese gives the sauce a creamy, smooth texture that’s ideal for coating pasta.
- Reserving some pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency and helps it cling better to the noodles.
- Cook the garlic just briefly to avoid bitterness or burning, which can negatively affect flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley adds freshness and color; you can also add grated Parmesan if desired for extra tang.
