Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

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This Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is the kind of comfort food that makes you sigh with each bite. Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese, it’s the kind of dish that delivers instant satisfaction. Tender chicken chunks tucked into penne pasta soak up every ounce of velvety sauce, flavored with garlic and smoothed out by both Velveeta and mozzarella.

Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish brings warmth and ease to the table. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps, but it certainly tastes like something you’d order at a favorite local bistro. It’s indulgent without being fussy, and always a hit with kids and grownups alike.

Why You’ll Love This Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

This is a recipe made for cheese lovers. The mix of Velveeta and mozzarella creates a sauce that’s thick, silky, and downright addictive. The garlic infuses each bite with a savory punch, while the chicken adds heartiness and flavor. Best of all, it’s a one-pan dream with simple steps and ingredients you likely already have. From picky eaters to late-night cravings, this pasta dish is the solution to dinner dilemmas.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Cheesy Chicken Dish?

Penne pasta holds up beautifully in this sauce. The ridges trap the cheesy goodness and the shape offers the perfect bite-sized forkfuls. But don’t let that stop you from using what’s in your pantry. Rotini, ziti, or rigatoni would also work well. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t go mushy once stirred into the sauce. Whatever pasta you choose, it’s all about the texture meeting that luxurious sauce.

Ingredients for the Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

This creamy pasta dish relies on a handful of classic ingredients that come together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each component has a job to do: richness, creaminess, savoriness, or texture. You might already have most of these on hand.

• Chicken breast
• Penne pasta
• Velveeta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

How To Make the Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until warmed through. Add chunks of Velveeta and shredded mozzarella, stirring constantly until melted into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Toss in the cooked penne and stir to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Once everything is heated through and well mixed, serve immediately. Garnish with extra mozzarella or fresh herbs if desired.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Remember that it will continue to cook slightly once it’s mixed into the hot sauce, so aim for a firm al dente texture. Another pitfall is using too much garlic or not sautéing it enough, which can lead to a bitter taste. Be patient and let the garlic turn fragrant without browning it.

Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. It’s the secret to adjusting the sauce if it gets too thick. And finally, avoid tossing in cold cheese. Let the cheeses come to room temperature before adding them into the warm cream base for smoother melting.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Chicken Pasta

This recipe makes enough to serve about four hungry people. Serve it hot, ideally right after combining everything so the sauce is at its peak creaminess. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid overheating, which can make the cheese separate and turn oily.

What to Serve With Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce?

Garlic Bread

A crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of that luscious cheese sauce.

Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar adds a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta, balancing richness with a tangy crunch.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight char and earthy flavor of roasted broccoli pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Sauteed Spinach

Wilted spinach cooked with a touch of garlic and olive oil makes a simple but tasty green side.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil add freshness and acidity that brighten up the dish.

Lemon Asparagus

Bright and zesty, lemon asparagus brings a welcome citrus lift to this rich plate.

Herbed Mushrooms

Pan-seared mushrooms with rosemary or thyme deepen the savory notes in the pasta.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Velveeta Chicken Penne, you’re going to fall for these other creamy and comforting chicken pasta recipes:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic, sun-dried tomato twist.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re craving juicy chicken in a bold garlic sauce.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti when you want hands-off comfort cooking.
• One Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta for a twist on the classic casserole.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini to enjoy layers of garlic and cheese in every forkful.

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 add extra mozzarella or swap in rotisserie chicken? Maybe you added a little chili for heat?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Share your spin or ask questions—let’s keep the creativity cooking.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more hearty dinners on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort meals!

Conclusion

Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce isn’t just another pasta dinner—it’s a soul-satisfying, cheesy, garlicky masterpiece you’ll make on repeat. Whether you’re serving it for the family or indulging solo, it’s the kind of meal that hugs you back. Simple to cook and even easier to love, it checks every box for a comforting dish done right.

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