Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Rich, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, this dish brings together tender grilled chicken and a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of penne pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy evening in, this recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience.

The combination of Velveeta and mozzarella in the garlic-infused sauce creates an irresistible melt that’s creamy without being too heavy. It’s bold, flavorful, and indulgent—everything you want in a hearty pasta dish. Serve it fresh off the stove or meal-prep for the week ahead, and you’ve got a winner either way.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare this savory dish, a few kitchen tools will make your job easier and the result tastier:

Large Pot: Perfect for boiling the penne evenly without sticking.
Grill Pan or Skillet: Ideal for achieving that beautiful sear on your chicken.
Saucepan: Essential for making the silky garlic cheese sauce separate from the pasta.

Whisk: Helps blend the cheese into the sauce smoothly without clumps.
Tongs or Spatula: To flip and handle the chicken pieces efficiently.
Colander: For draining the pasta quickly while keeping its texture intact.

Each tool ensures your steps are seamless, and your final plate turns out restaurant-worthy. Taking the time to gather them ahead prevents hiccups mid-recipe.

Ingredients for the Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Penne Pasta: Holds the sauce well, giving you full flavor in each bite.
Chicken Breast (Boneless, Skinless): Lean protein that grills beautifully and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Velveeta Cheese: Adds that signature creaminess and golden hue to the dish.
Mozzarella Cheese: Balances the Velveeta with a stringy, melty texture.
Minced Garlic: Deepens the flavor of the cheese sauce with rich aromatic notes.

Heavy Cream: Brings everything together into a luxurious, smooth sauce.
Butter: Starts off the sauce base and enhances richness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the pasta and chicken.

Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh finishing touch that adds color and a hint of brightness.

How To Make the Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or sear in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Slice into bite-sized chunks.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly add Velveeta and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Mix in the grilled chicken and stir well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness!

How to Serve and Store Velveeta Chicken Penne

Serve this dish immediately after combining for the creamiest texture. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal. For storing, let the pasta cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of Velveeta?

You can substitute Velveeta with cheddar or a processed cheese blend, but the signature creamy texture may vary slightly.

Can I bake this dish?

Absolutely! After combining pasta and sauce, place in a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all. But you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great and speeds up prep.

Does this freeze well?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat with added cream for texture recovery.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy Velveeta chicken penne, try more easy and cheesy favorites:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a restaurant-style experience.
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells packed with greens and gooey goodness.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a savory twist on a classic.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with layers of indulgence.
Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta if you’re craving bold flavors.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavier on the garlic? Add bacon bits? I love hearing your kitchen twists! Questions welcome, too—let’s keep sharing tips and tasty results.

Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is the perfect comfort meal. Tender grilled chicken, creamy garlic cheese sauce, and al dente penne come together in one hearty, satisfying dish that’s both easy and indulgent.