Description
This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food made easy. Velveeta cheese, tender chicken, garlic butter, and penne come together in a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfect for weeknights. Family-friendly, cheesy pasta dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
225g penne pasta
200g Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 chicken breasts, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons butter
50g Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Boil penne pasta until al dente, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until golden and fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Velveeta cubes and stir until fully melted and creamy.
7. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until incorporated.
8. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet, mixing to coat everything evenly.
9. Add pasta water a splash at a time if sauce is too thick.
10. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut for a quicker meal.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 110mg