Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
Sometimes, you just need a meal that is pure, unapologetic comfort. This recipe for Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Penne is exactly that. It’s a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety smooth cheese sauce that is both nostalgic and gourmet. The secret to its incredible texture is a blend of Velveeta, cream cheese, and Parmesan, all melded together in a savory garlic butter base. This is a dish that is guaranteed to please every member of the family and is so easy to make, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that deliver a big punch of flavor with minimal fuss, and this one has quickly become a personal favorite. What I love most is the decadent texture of the sauce. The Velveeta provides an unparalleled creaminess and smooth finish that you just can’t get from other cheeses, and when combined with the sharp Parmesan and rich cream cheese, it creates a flavor profile that is truly irresistible. I also love how the flavor is built in layers, starting with searing the chicken in the skillet and then building the sauce in the same pan. This ensures that every element of the dish is infused with delicious savory notes.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 121 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: While chicken breasts are great, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work wonderfully. They tend to be a little more flavorful and moist.
- Pasta: Penne is a perfect choice for this dish as its tubular shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully. You can easily swap it for other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or cavatappi.
- Cheese: The combination of Velveeta for creaminess, Parmesan for sharpness, and mozzarella for a little gooeyness is what makes this sauce so special. If you’re not a fan of Velveeta, you can use a combination of other good melting cheeses like cheddar and American cheese, but be aware the texture of the sauce will be slightly different.
- Veggies: This dish is a great base for adding in some vegetables. You can easily sauté some broccoli florets, fresh spinach, or even some thinly sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic to add a little extra color and nutrients.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes is a great way to add a little heat and balance out the richness of the sauce.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until every piece is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6−7 minutes, turning as needed, until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1−2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant.
- Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture gently simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Melt the Cheeses: Add the Velveeta cubes and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until both have fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Once the Velveeta is melted, lower the heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is thick and velvety. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked penne and the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything gently until the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Let it cook together for another minute or two to heat everything through.
- Finish and Serve: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve immediately while it’s still hot and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness.
Tips for Success
- Reserve the Pasta Water: This is a crucial step for a great sauce. The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the cheese and cream, creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook your chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a nice golden sear instead of steaming.
- Melt the Cheeses Slowly: Adding the cheeses, especially the mozzarella and Parmesan, on low heat and stirring constantly will help them melt smoothly and prevent the sauce from becoming grainy or clumpy.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce as you go. You can add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to get it just right for your palate.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This pasta dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Some warm garlic bread would also be a fantastic addition for soaking up any extra sauce.
For a drink pairing, a light-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc would be a great complement to the creamy, savory flavors.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a hearty, indulgent meal that is higher in calories, carbohydrates, and fat due to the pasta, heavy cream, and cheeses. It is also a good source of protein from the chicken. While it is a decadent dish, it’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that is perfect for a weekend treat or a special occasion.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this pasta dish are delicious! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, adding a splash of milk to help re-create the creamy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a little milk until it’s smooth.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Penne is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a truly spectacular comfort food. It’s a recipe that is sure to become a cherished family favorite. I hope you enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you gave this recipe a try!
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