Lorenzo Devereaux
Golden, crispy chicken paired with creamy penne pasta smothered in a rich garlic butter Parmesan sauce is comfort food at its finest. This dish brings the perfect balance of texture and flavor: tender pasta coated in cheesy, velvety sauce and juicy chicken with a savory crust.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or an indulgent weekend meal, this recipe hits the spot. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but tastes like something you’d order from your favorite Italian bistro.
What Makes This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne Special?
The secret lies in the combination of rich Velveeta cheese and the garlicky Parmesan sauce. Velveeta melts into the pasta effortlessly, creating that ultra-creamy base, while fresh Parmesan and garlic butter provide depth and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: The star protein of this dish, providing tender, juicy bites that pair perfectly with the creamy pasta.
- Penne Pasta: Holds the cheesy sauce in every crevice for that perfect, creamy mouthful.
- Velveeta Cheese: The secret to that ultra-smooth, creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and a nutty finish to the sauce.
- Garlic Butter: Infuses the pasta and chicken with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Olive Oil & Seasonings: Paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs help create the flavorful crust on the chicken.
How to Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Set aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
In a large pot, cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a small cup of pasta water for later.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and stir in Velveeta cheese cubes, letting them melt into a creamy sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan and a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta and toss it directly in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to fully coat the pasta.
Step 5: Slice and Serve the Chicken
Slice the golden chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan and dried parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.
Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne?
1. Garlic Bread
The crispy edges and soft center make it the perfect companion for soaking up extra sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables
A medley of carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers balances the richness of the pasta.
3. Caesar Salad
The crunchy romaine and tangy dressing complement the creamy pasta.
4. Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil drizzled with balsamic are light and refreshing.
5. Bruschetta
A simple tomato and basil topping on toasted bread brightens the meal.
6. Sautéed Spinach
A quick garlic sautéed spinach adds nutrients and a pop of color.
7. Lemon Asparagus
Steamed or oven-roasted asparagus with a hint of lemon cuts through the richness nicely.
Want More Cheesy Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this creamy Velveeta chicken penne, you’ll enjoy these too:
- Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan
- Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime!
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own—did you add mushrooms or spinach to your sauce? Or spice it up with red pepper flakes?
Explore even more cheesy and creamy dinner inspirations on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest.
Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- Large pot
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and Velveeta cheese cubes until melted and smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Toss pasta in the sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Slice chicken and place on top of pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan and dried parsley if desired.
Notes
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.