There is something truly comforting and downright delicious about the Indulgent Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious, garlicky cheese sauce that wraps around every bite like a warm, flavorful hug. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress loved ones with a rich yet approachable dish, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a bowl of pure indulgence and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a dish that is rich in flavor, comforting in texture, and visually inviting. These simple staples ensure that every component shines through in the final meal.
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto that creamy sauce, but you can swap it for fusilli or rigatoni for a twist.
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein that soaks up the seasoning beautifully; turkey or firm tofu work great as substitutes.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Adds a silky richness and helps with that golden sear; olive oil is a lighter alternative.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Keeps your pasta from sticking and adds a subtle earthy note.
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced): The star of the sauce, fresh garlic infuses every bite with savory warmth.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The creamy foundation of the luscious sauce; substitute with half-and-half or plant-based cream if preferred.
- 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese (cubed): Creates that velvety, smooth texture that makes this dish irresistibly indulgent.
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness; provolone or fontina are wonderful alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: Brings aromatic herbal notes that elevate the sauce; fresh herbs work wonders here too.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped): Adds a burst of freshness and beautiful color for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Indulgent Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until it’s perfectly al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and toss it with olive oil right away to prevent sticking and add a light sheen. This step ensures every bite is tender but not mushy, ready to soak up that dreamy sauce.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter, and add the olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. This technique locks in juiciness and builds great flavor for your creamy sauce later.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Cheese Sauce
Using the same skillet (drippings and all for flavor), quickly sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic is delicate and brings out the best aroma when cooked gently. Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, letting it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to soften and warm up the mixture.
Step 4: Melt the Cheeses Into the Sauce
Now the magic happens! Add the cubed Velveeta and shredded mozzarella to the warm cream. Stir continuously until all the cheese is melted and smooth, transforming the sauce into that signature silky texture that defines the Indulgent Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe. The blend of cheeses creates richness without overpowering the palate.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then add it along with the cooked penne to the cheese sauce. Toss everything together gently for 2 to 3 minutes so that every piece of pasta and chicken is evenly coated with that luscious sauce. This step melds all the flavors into one harmonious, indulgent dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness. Now, grab your fork and dive into the creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned comfort of this dish you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Indulgent Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The garnish makes the dish look vibrant and adds layers of flavor that complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Balance this rich main with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach also make fantastic accompaniments, bringing texture contrast and freshness to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in charming individual ramekins for an intimate touch, or plate in a large shallow bowl to showcase the saucy noodles and tender chicken. For a fun twist, try layering the pasta and cheese sauce with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top, then broil just until golden and crispy for a gratin-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling—just add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it back up to the perfect consistency.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little cream, milk, or broth if the sauce seems too thick or dry. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, until warmed through and smooth again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which can add extra depth to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure they are cooked through.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Indulgent Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Sear and season it the same way for that satisfying texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If Velveeta is hard to find, cream cheese combined with shredded cheddar can provide a similarly creamy texture and rich flavor. Just melt them slowly into the cream for best results.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use olive oil instead of butter, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream, and consider using reduced-fat cheese. These small changes lighten the dish but still keep it tasty.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all other ingredients, like seasoning blends and cheeses, are labeled gluten-free to enjoy this creamy comfort without worry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s cozy, utterly satisfying, and simple to whip up, the Indulgent Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe is a total winner. Its combination of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and tender pasta will quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation. Give it a try tonight—you might just discover your new go-to comfort food!
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Indulgent Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulgent Velveeta Chicken Penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts and penne pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic cheese sauce made with Velveeta and mozzarella. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that delivers a velvety texture and satisfying richness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (can swap for fusilli or rigatoni)
Chicken
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (substitute with turkey or firm tofu)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Butter (can use olive oil for lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (keeps pasta from sticking)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) (use fresh garlic for best flavor)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (can substitute with half-and-half or plant-based cream)
- 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese (cubed) (creates a velvety creaminess)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (provolone or fontina can be used)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (fresh herbs can enhance flavor)
- To taste Salt
- To taste Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped) (adds freshness and color)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken and slice it thinly.
- Sauté Garlic and Simmer Cream: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Melt Cheeses into Sauce: Stir in the cubed Velveeta and shredded mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Add the cooked penne and sliced chicken into the cheese sauce. Toss everything together over low heat for 2-3 minutes to ensure all ingredients are well coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your indulgent Velveeta chicken penne!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; pre-minced garlic may not impart the same aroma.
- Substitute chicken with turkey or firm tofu for a different protein option.
- For a lighter version, swap butter for olive oil and heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Try using provolone or fontina cheese if you want a slightly different cheese profile.
- To prevent pasta from sticking after draining, tossing with a little olive oil is recommended.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your cheese saltiness.
