Description
This Velveeta Chicken Penne features tender chicken breasts tossed with penne pasta in a rich, creamy mozzarella garlic cheese sauce made with Velveeta and heavy cream. Infused with Italian seasoning and fresh garlic, it’s a comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for cheese lovers seeking indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (Can be substituted with favorite pasta shape.)
Protein
- 2 large Chicken Breasts (Turkey can be used for a leaner option.)
Dairy & Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Can switch to olive oil for dairy-free.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Milk or dairy-free cream can be swapped.)
- 16 ounces Velveeta Cheese (cubed) (Cream cheese can be used as a variation.)
- 8 ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Provolone or gouda can be experimented with.)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Any neutral oil works.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) (Can use garlic powder if needed.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Fresh herbs can be used instead.)
- to taste Salt and Pepper (Season generously.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped) (Can substitute with basil or chives.)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides and thoroughly cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove chicken, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice into strips.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Add cubed Velveeta cheese and shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Notes
- Substitute turkey breast for a leaner protein option.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Replace Velveeta with cream cheese for a different texture.
- Try different pasta shapes if penne isn’t available.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for varied flavor profiles.
