Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

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This creamy Velveeta chicken penne is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every forkful offers the luscious comfort of tender chicken, smooth Velveeta cheese, and a garlicky butter parmesan sauce that clings to penne pasta with just the right richness. It’s a dish that satisfies the soul while being incredibly easy to whip up, especially when you’re craving something hearty and cheesy without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this pasta dish lies in its indulgent simplicity. With a handful of ingredients and one pan, you’re just steps away from a meal that brings big flavor without fuss. Velveeta lends its signature creaminess, while the garlic butter parmesan sauce adds depth and a little zing. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to because it’s just that good.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

This recipe is all about easy, cheesy comfort. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry adults, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and that warm, homemade feeling. Velveeta melts like a dream, coating every piece of penne with cheesy goodness, while the garlic and parmesan add savory notes that elevate it beyond your average pasta bake. It’s versatile enough to serve for casual family dinners or to bring to a potluck where you want to be sure there’s not a bite left.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Penne pasta is the perfect match for this creamy sauce because of its tubular shape that holds onto every drop of cheesy goodness. However, if you don’t have penne, rotini or rigatoni make great substitutes. The key is using a pasta with ridges or pockets that can catch and cradle the sauce. Avoid thin pasta like spaghetti or angel hair as they don’t give the same satisfaction when smothered in a thick, creamy sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

This creamy Velveeta chicken penne brings together pantry staples and kitchen favorites to create a meal that feels gourmet without being complicated. The beauty lies in how each ingredient complements the others, forming a luscious, satisfying dish in under an hour.

• Penne pasta
• Boneless chicken breast
• Velveeta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Parsley (optional, for garnish)

The penne serves as the perfect base, offering a firm bite and the right texture to hold the sauce. Chicken breast adds protein and heartiness, while Velveeta brings that unmistakable creamy melt. Parmesan and garlic infuse the sauce with richness and depth, enhanced by butter and heavy cream. Seasonings pull it all together, and parsley adds a pop of freshness.

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually add chunks of Velveeta and whisk until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Pasta

Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add both the chicken and cooked penne into the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and stir until melted and well combined.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the creamy pasta and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

This dish is as convenient as it is comforting. It feeds approximately 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or leftovers throughout the week. Serve it hot right after cooking for the ultimate creamy experience.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and stir to bring back that silky sauce. It also freezes surprisingly well. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and use it within a month for best results.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

The rich garlic butter sauce begs to be soaked up with a warm slice of crusty garlic bread. It’s the ultimate carb-on-carb companion.

Steamed Broccoli

Balance out the richness of the dish with something green. Steamed or roasted broccoli adds freshness and color.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing pairs beautifully with creamy pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted to perfection offers a sophisticated side that’s easy to prepare.

Sautéed Spinach

Quick, garlicky sautéed spinach adds a healthy, earthy note to complement the cheese.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

A bright, juicy salad with red onion and herbs cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.

Parmesan Green Beans

Tender green beans tossed in butter and sprinkled with parmesan add both crunch and flavor.

Lemon Herb Chicken Wings

Want a protein-packed appetizer? Lemon herb wings work as a zesty, crispy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne has become your new favorite, you’ll want to explore more pasta dishes that bring the same level of comfort and flavor:

• Try the rich and cozy Creamy Cajun Linguine when you’re craving bold spice.
• Our One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a weeknight favorite for a reason.
• The savory Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine is another family pleaser.
• You’ll love the indulgent simplicity of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti with its oven-baked golden finish.
• And for a fusion twist, the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini offers something a little unexpected but totally satisfying.

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Let me know in the comments if you used rotisserie chicken or made it from scratch. Did you toss in spinach or try mushrooms? I love hearing how you make it your own.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and cheesy pasta dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next dinner inspiration: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is the kind of dish that takes everyday ingredients and turns them into something extraordinary. Whether you make it on a busy weeknight or for a cozy weekend dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of garlicky goodness—the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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