Description
Ready for the ultimate cozy comfort food? This Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is everything you crave in a quick dinner: tender seared chicken thighs, rich and silky cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s ideal for those seeking easy dinner ideas, quick comfort meals, or a creamy pasta dish that’s totally satisfying. Whether you’re serving family on a weeknight or prepping leftovers for lunch, this easy recipe hits all the marks.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Velveeta cheese cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest.
3. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook penne pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Velveeta cubes and shredded mozzarella. Cook on low heat, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
7. Slice the rested chicken thighs and place on top or beside the creamy pasta.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy when sliced.
Use low heat when melting the cheese to prevent a grainy sauce.
A splash of reserved pasta water makes a big difference in sauce consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, chicken penne, quick comfort food