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
Scale
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.
