If you’re craving a dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine tender chunks of chicken mingling with al dente penne pasta, all swirled in a dreamy, garlicky butter sauce enriched by that decadent, melty Velveeta cheese. Every bite is loaded with cozy comfort and bold, savory flavor, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive crowd-pleaser that feels effortlessly gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, these ingredients build the foundation of our Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role—bringing richness, texture, and vibrant flavor to the dish.
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta: Provides the ideal shape and bite to hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy protein that soaks up all the garlicky goodness.
- 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese: Melts into a silky, smooth sauce that makes every forkful irresistibly creamy.
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth; roasted garlic can add a sweeter twist if you prefer.
- 4 tablespoons Butter: Creates the rich, buttery base of our sauce with a luscious texture.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Offers a nutty sharpness to balance the creaminess beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A herbaceous blend that brings Mediterranean flair; oregano and basil work well as substitutes.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Perfect for cooking the chicken and adding a subtle fruity note.
How to Make Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta in salted water until just al dente, about 9 minutes depending on the brand. The key here is to keep it slightly firm so it holds up wonderfully once tossed in our rich, creamy sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning, then cook them until golden and fully cooked, around 6 to 7 minutes per side. Once done, slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ready to mingle with our sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet, and melt it slowly. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this step is where the magic begins, as that garlicky aroma fills the kitchen. Stir in the rest of your Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
Step 4: Melt in the Velveeta and Parmesan
Now, cube your Velveeta and add it right into the buttery garlic mixture, stirring gently until it starts to melt into a smooth sauce. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously—this combo is what makes our sauce irresistibly creamy and lightly tangy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to get the perfect pouring consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add your cooked penne and the sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently so that every piece of pasta and chicken is luxuriously coated in that creamy garlic butter sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—you’ll want just the right balance of cheese, garlic, and herbs in every bite.
How to Serve Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the dish to add a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. An extra dusting of Parmesan won’t hurt either, for added depth and a salty kick.
Side Dishes
This dish stands tall on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds a refreshing crunch and balances the creaminess perfectly. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can be perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce, turning every bite into a total delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve this pasta in a large rustic bowl with the chicken pieces artfully nestled on top. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add visual appeal and a touch of spice for those who like it hot. You can even individualize servings in mini casserole dishes for a cozy, restaurant-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken, but a quick reheat with a splash of milk or broth will bring back its luscious creaminess.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based sauces can be tricky, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and prepare a fresh batch of the garlic butter sauce to combine with the thawed ingredients for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a little water, milk, or broth as needed to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Avoid the microwave for reheating whenever possible—it can cause the sauce to separate or dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?
Absolutely! While Velveeta gives that signature smooth melt, you can swap it for cheddar or Colby cheese to introduce a sharper or more robust flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture might shift slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! Cook the chicken and pasta in advance, and prepare the sauce fresh or in batches. It reheats well, making it a comforting grab-and-go meal on busy days.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure thing! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or even toss in some crispy tofu cubes for a satisfying vegetarian twist on the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe.
What’s the best way to get garlic flavor without overpowering?
Using fresh minced garlic sautéed gently in butter releases aromatic and mild garlic notes without bitterness. Roasted garlic is a lovely alternative if you want a milder, sweeter swipe of garlic flavor.
Can I substitute penne with other pasta shapes?
Definitely! Rigatoni, rotini, or rigatoni all work beautifully and hold the sauce well. Choose pasta shapes with ridges or tubes to catch every bit of the luscious sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something special with minimal fuss. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with comforting flavors, it’s destined to become one of your all-time favorites as well. Roll up your sleeves and dive in—you’re in for a deliciously satisfying experience!
Print
Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter 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
This Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce with melted Velveeta cheese. Enhanced with Parmesan and Italian seasoning, this creamy, cheesy penne is a quick and satisfying dinner perfect for weeknights or cozy meals.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (Can substitute with rigatoni or rotini)
Chicken
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Cheese and Dairy
- 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese (Can use cheddar or Colby for different flavor)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated preferred)
- 4 tablespoons Butter
Seasonings and Condiments
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced; roasted garlic is a great alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Can replace with dried oregano and basil)
- to taste Salt & Black Pepper (Adjust according to your taste)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Prepare the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and the 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and let rest.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add cheeses and create the creamy sauce: Lower heat to medium-low and add 8 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until melted and smooth. Gradually stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated to create a rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together gently until well coated. Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Velveeta chicken penne onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with rigatoni or rotini based on preference.
- Velveeta cheese can be replaced with cheddar or Colby for a different flavor profile.
- Using roasted garlic instead of fresh minced garlic will provide a sweeter, milder garlic flavor.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to thin it out.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
