Description

This Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy Velveeta cheese, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this recipe combines penne pasta tossed in a luscious cheesy sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and freshly grated Parmesan for an irresistible blend of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces Penne Pasta (Can substitute with rigatoni or rotini.)

Chicken

1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Cheese & Dairy

8 ounces Velveeta Cheese (Can use cheddar or Colby for different flavor.)
½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated preferred.)

Seasonings & Sauces

2 cloves Garlic (Minced; roasted garlic is a great alternative.)
4 tablespoons Butter
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Can replace with dried oregano and basil.)
Salt & Black Pepper to taste (Adjust according to your taste.)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil

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Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Cheese and Combine: Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes and add to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly into a creamy sauce. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until combined. Season the sauce with additional salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
Toss Pasta with Sauce and Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Velveeta garlic butter sauce and the chicken is well distributed.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Substitute penne with rigatoni or rotini for different pasta shapes.
Use cheddar or Colby cheese instead of Velveeta for a sharper cheese flavor.
Roasted garlic can be used instead of minced fresh garlic for a sweeter, milder garlic taste.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese greatly enhances the taste compared to pre-grated varieties.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.