Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce
Ready for a cozy, crowd‑pleasing pasta that tastes like a restaurant favorite but comes together fast on a weeknight? This Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce delivers ultra‑tender seared chicken, perfectly al dente penne, and a velvety garlic‑infused cheese sauce that clings to every bite. It’s an easy recipe for busy nights, a family‑friendly dinner idea, and pure comfort food bliss—perfect when you need quick dinner inspiration, weeknight meal ideas, or a simple pasta everyone will love.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large Skillet
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 8 oz Velveeta, cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and sear 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F). Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in milk and warm. Add Velveeta; stir until melted and smooth. Sprinkle in mozzarella and stir until silky. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add penne and chicken to the sauce; toss to coat. Loosen with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Swap in 1/2 cup heavy cream for extra richness. Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach in the final step for a veggie boost.
Nutrition
Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 38gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 930mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 450mgIron: 2.5mg
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