Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

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This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is the kind of cozy comfort food that makes any dinner feel special. Packed with the creamy smoothness of Velveeta, juicy bites of chicken, and the aromatic kick of garlic butter, this dish is easy enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to impress guests.

The parmesan-infused garlic butter sauce clings perfectly to the ridges of penne pasta, creating a luscious texture in every bite. Whether you need a quick dinner solution or want to treat yourself after a long day, this meal hits all the right notes with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

This dish is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, yet it comes together in under 30 minutes. Velveeta gives it that ultra-smooth creaminess that doesn’t separate, while the parmesan adds depth and a touch of sharpness. Garlic butter ties everything together with its fragrant punch, making each mouthful utterly satisfying.

The combination of pantry staples with fresh, juicy chicken makes this a go-to comfort meal that even picky eaters will love. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and just hearty enough without being too heavy.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully here because they cook quickly and stay tender when simmered in the sauce. However, chicken thighs can also be a great option if you prefer a bit more richness. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, that’s a great shortcut to make this even quicker.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

To make this dish as delicious as possible, every ingredient plays a role in balancing creamy richness with savory depth. It’s a simple lineup, but each one contributes to the crave-worthy flavor of the finished dish.

• Chicken breasts
• Penne pasta
• Velveeta cheese
• Garlic
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant without browning the garlic.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the garlic butter. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Velveeta cubes. Continue stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Chicken

Stir in grated parmesan and the sliced chicken. Simmer together briefly so everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat to absorb more flavor before serving.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Creamy pasta dishes can be forgiving, but there are still a few common pitfalls to avoid. First, don’t overcook your chicken. It’s easy to do and will leave you with dry pieces that don’t hold up in the sauce. Use medium heat and cook just until done.

When making the sauce, make sure not to scorch the garlic. Garlic that turns brown gets bitter fast and can overpower the entire dish. Melt the butter first, then stir the garlic gently for a mellow, savory base.

Velveeta melts easily, but you want to stir constantly to keep it from sticking or burning. Also, make sure your pasta is only cooked to al dente—it will continue to soften slightly once it’s in the sauce.

Best Way to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

This recipe feeds about 4 to 6 people comfortably, especially if served with bread or a side salad. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate and lose its smooth texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

The rich sauce practically begs for something crusty to soak it up, and garlic bread never fails.

Caesar Salad

Its crisp lettuce and tangy dressing balance out the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a hearty crunch and a little char that pairs nicely with creamy dishes.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick-cooked greens with garlic and olive oil keep the plate colorful and healthy.

Grilled Zucchini

Mild, fresh zucchini slices help break up the decadence.

Caprese Skewers

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil add a refreshing element to the table.

Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Sweet and salty carrots complement the cheesy pasta beautifully.

Lemon Asparagus

A citrusy veggie side helps brighten the plate and cut through the cream.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne hit the spot, you might want to check out these other flavorful recipes:

• Try the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for another parmesan-packed comfort meal.
• You’ll love the Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a seafood variation.
• For a bolder twist, dig into the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta that balances cream with spice.
• Don’t miss the Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you want romance on a plate.
• And if you’re looking for a one-pot dinner, the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a weeknight winner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken breasts or thighs? Did you spice it up with red pepper flakes?

I love seeing your spins on this dish. Feel free to ask questions too—we’re in this creamy comfort food club together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce isn’t just another pasta night—it’s an invitation to comfort and flavor. With its simple ingredients and irresistible texture, it’s bound to become a regular in your rotation. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, this dish delivers every single time.

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