Description
This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is a quick, indulgent dinner idea packed with bold flavors. Juicy seared chicken thighs rest atop creamy, cheesy penne pasta coated in a rich garlic butter and parmesan sauce. It’s a dream come true for anyone craving a comforting, easy recipe that tastes like a gourmet meal without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even meal prep. Great for fans of easy dinner recipes, food ideas, and hearty pasta dishes.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup milk
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken thighs 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.
4. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
5. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
6. Add milk and cubed Velveeta, stirring until smooth and melted.
7. Stir in parmesan cheese and season with additional salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if needed.
8. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
9. Slice chicken and serve over the cheesy pasta. Drizzle pan juices on top before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture and flavor.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
Don’t skip the pasta water — it helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, velveeta chicken penne, garlic parmesan sauce, easy dinner, pasta recipe