Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

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This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Perfectly seared, herb-crusted chicken thighs pair beautifully with rich, cheesy penne pasta drenched in a garlic butter parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of meal that turns a weeknight dinner into a crave-worthy experience.

What makes this dish so irresistible is the balance of bold and creamy. The crispy chicken offers a savory bite, while the penne noodles hold onto every drop of the velvety Velveeta and parmesan sauce. Ideal for gatherings or indulgent family dinners, it’s one recipe that gets asked for again and again.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, let’s talk about the tools that will help bring this dish together seamlessly:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Vital for getting that beautiful crust on your chicken thighs. It retains heat evenly and helps develop deep flavor.
• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: Use a roomy pot so the penne has space to cook without sticking together. Salted water is key!
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the cheese sauce and making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of your pot.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken without tearing the skin and keeping all that seasoning intact.
• Grater (for fresh parmesan): Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother and adds a richer flavor to the sauce than pre-shredded versions.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a juicy and flavorful protein base that sears beautifully in a hot skillet.
• Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce in every bite, making it perfect for this dish.
• Velveeta Cheese: The star of the sauce. It melts effortlessly into a creamy, gooey consistency that clings to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a bold, nutty finish and to balance the richness of the Velveeta.
• Garlic (Minced): Provides that unmistakable garlicky depth to the butter sauce.
• Butter: Acts as the foundation for the sauce and helps coat the chicken in golden, flavorful goodness.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken and keep everything moist without overpowering the flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the chicken and sauce with a warm herbaceous note.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every other flavor in this dish.

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How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Parmesan Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in grated parmesan and a splash of pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 4: Add Velveeta Cheese

Lower the heat and add chunks of Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce. Combine with the garlic butter mixture for a flavor-packed base.

Step 5: Toss in the Pasta

Add the drained penne to the skillet and gently stir to coat each noodle with the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Slice the rested chicken and serve over or beside the cheesy penne. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken for extra flavor, and garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan or herbs if desired.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

This dish is best served hot and fresh, right out of the skillet. The cheese sauce will be at its silkiest and most luxurious, coating every bite perfectly.

To serve, pile the creamy penne on a plate and top with sliced seared chicken. For a pop of color and freshness, you can add chopped parsley or basil. Pair it with a light green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?

If you don’t have Velveeta, try American cheese slices or a mix of cheddar and cream cheese. The goal is that smooth, melty texture.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but be careful not to overcook them. Chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more quickly than thighs.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and cook the pasta in advance, but it’s best to make the cheese sauce fresh. Reheating cheese sauces can sometimes change their consistency.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the sauce might change slightly. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter while it sautés.

What vegetables go well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach would all pair well and bring a nutritious balance.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne hit the spot, here are a few more pasta recipes you’ll want to try next:

• Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta — Comforting and hearty with a veggie twist.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce — A garlic lover’s dream.
• Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta — Sweet heat with bold BBQ flavors.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole — For cozy casserole lovers.
• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken — A restaurant-style dish, made easy at home.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra garlicky? Maybe added mushrooms or spinach?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with more flavor and fun.

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