Description
Cheesy Velveeta Rotel Chicken Rotini delivers a comforting Southern-style pasta dish packed with creamy, spicy goodness. Melted cheese and zesty tomatoes combine with tender chicken, creating a quick weeknight meal that satisfies hungry families in one delicious skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 0.5 lb velveeta cheese
Pasta:
- 1 lb rotini pasta
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 can rotel tomatoes
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, slice chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter, allowing it to melt and create a golden, fragrant base for sautéing chicken.
- Add chicken cubes to the skillet, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring frequently to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensure thorough cooking.
- Once chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, reduce heat to medium-low and introduce Rotel tomatoes, stirring to incorporate and distribute flavors evenly.
- Cube Velveeta cheese and gradually add to the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce, slowly incorporating milk to enhance the melting process.
- Fold cooked rotini pasta into the chicken and cheese mixture, gently stirring to coat each pasta piece with the rich, velvety sauce.
- Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through and flavors are fully melded.
- Remove from heat and let stand for a minute before serving hot, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and settle.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking and appealing presentation.
- Use fresh, high-quality Rotel tomatoes for maximum flavor and vibrant taste profile.
- Consider using low-sodium seasonings to control salt intake without compromising taste.
- Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for lactose-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg