Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this recipe showcases tender chicken coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce served over spaghetti. The unique blend of Velveeta cheese adds a smooth texture that elevates this dish, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously creamy: The combination of heavy cream, milk, and Velveeta cheese creates an irresistible sauce that’s rich and comforting.
• Quick to prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready to serve, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile dish: This recipe can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Family-friendly: With its mild flavors and appealing texture, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Great for gatherings: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this pasta dish is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything ready will make preparing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling the spaghetti evenly and ensuring it cooks perfectly al dente.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing chicken and creating the delicious garlic butter sauce that coats the pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti

• 12 oz spaghetti

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick bite-size pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

For the Sauce

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1¼ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 10 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, as needed

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
• Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining and setting aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil along with 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer:
1. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown with crisp edges.
2. Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked through.
3. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce

Reduce heat to medium on the skillet. Add remaining butter:
1. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in heavy cream and milk while stirring to combine.
3. Let it gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheeses and Seasoning

Add cubed Velveeta cheese:
1. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
2. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese until thickened.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce:
1. Gently toss until every strand is fully coated.
2. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen up the sauce while keeping it rich.

Step 7: Serve

Plate your creamy garlic butter chicken spaghetti:
1. Arrange chicken on top or alongside the pasta.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Enjoy this scrumptious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo that’s perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo

Serving Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo can elevate your dining experience. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its taste.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Offer Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Complement with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots can provide a healthy balance of flavors and textures.

Add Parmesan Crisps

• Crisped cheese snacks made from grated Parmesan add an extra crunch while amplifying the cheesy goodness of your dish.

Garnish with Extra Herbs

• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme sprinkled on top can elevate presentation and offer an aromatic touch.

How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo

Perfecting your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality cheeses make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried or pre-packaged options.
• Cook chicken properly: Ensure your chicken is cooked until golden brown for added depth of flavor and avoid dryness.
• Adjust thickness: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Taste as you go: Regularly taste your sauce during cooking to adjust seasoning levels according to your preferences.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo

To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with these delicious side dishes.

1. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic butter provide a crunchy texture that complements the creamy pasta.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons for contrast.
3. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a fresh and tasty appetizer.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese and herbs bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with the richness of the spaghetti.
5. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs add heartiness to the meal while being easy to prepare alongside the main dish.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a bright burst of flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo, keep an eye out for these common mistakes to ensure a delicious result.

• Bold seasoning: Under-seasoning your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you generously season the chicken pieces before cooking for optimal taste.
• Bold cooking time: Overcooking the spaghetti can make it mushy. Always follow the package instructions for al dente results and taste a strand before draining.
• Bold heat control: Cooking chicken at too high a temperature may cause burning. Use medium-high heat and monitor closely for perfect golden-brown pieces.
• Bold ingredient measurement: Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the sauce’s consistency. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision, especially with heavy cream and cheese.
• Bold adjusting sauce: Skipping the reserved pasta water can lead to a thick sauce. Reserve some water and add it gradually to achieve your desired creaminess.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2–3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between, until warmed throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo?

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, spaghetti, and a rich creamy Velveeta cheese sauce.

Can I substitute Velveeta cheese?

Yes! You can use other creamy cheeses like cream cheese or mozzarella if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make this dish lighter?

To lighten up Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo, consider using half-and-half or reducing the amount of cheese while increasing vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape can work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta type.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild but can be adjusted by adding more crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Alfredo is not only rich and satisfying but also highly customizable. Feel free to add vegetables, swap cheeses, or adjust seasonings to match your family’s preferences. Give this delightful recipe a try for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!