Name: Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

A rich and comforting pasta dish, this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce brings together tender cubes of chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a dreamy cheese sauce that’s hard to resist. I love how the creamy Velveeta blends effortlessly with Parmesan and a touch of garlic butter to create a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat. I season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add it to the skillet, cooking for about 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant, which takes about a minute.

I pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, then reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, mixing until everything is combined.

I add the Velveeta cubes and stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Then, I stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

I return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta, tossing everything together so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

I serve it warm, garnished with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 610 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap penne for rigatoni or rotini if that’s what I have on hand.

For a bit of heat, I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

I’ve used rotisserie chicken for a quicker version—it cuts down the cook time even more.

Adding steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach makes this a complete one-pan meal.

To make it even cheesier, I mix in a little shredded mozzarella at the end.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—I just cover it and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

What can I use instead of Velveeta?

I can substitute with a blend of cheddar and a little cream cheese if I don’t have Velveeta, but it won’t be quite as smooth.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve made this ahead and stored it in the fridge. I just reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.

Is there a way to lighten this up?

I sometimes use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Velveeta a bit to cut some of the richness.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the cheese sauce can separate when thawed, but it’s okay for a short-term freeze if needed.

What goes well with this dish?

I like to serve it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is a no-fuss, cozy meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. I love how creamy and satisfying it is without being overly complicated. Whether I’m cooking for a weeknight dinner or sharing with family, this dish never fails to comfort and please.

Recipe:

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is a rich and comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce featuring Velveeta, Parmesan, and garlic butter. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.