If you have a craving for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It marries tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with smooth, cheesy Velveeta melting into a luscious garlic butter sauce, all enveloping al dente penne pasta. Every bite bursts with comforting flavors and a rich creaminess that makes it an instant family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers simplicity and indulgence in one glorious bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can create such a creamy, flavorful dish. Each component plays an important role – from the smoothness of Velveeta cheese to the bright, herbal notes of Italian seasoning, everything comes together beautifully.
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta: Choose penne for the perfect ridges that hold onto sauce; rigatoni or rotini work well too for textural variety.
- 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Be generous with seasoning to make the chicken flavorful and juicy.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a golden brown crust.
- 4 tablespoons Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness and adds rich creaminess.
- 3 cloves Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with the perfect aromatic base.
- 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese: This cheese melts like a dream, making the sauce irresistibly smooth; cheddar or Colby can be fun alternatives.
- 1 cup Milk: It lightens up the cheese sauce just enough without losing richness.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory kick and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a fragrant, balanced touch.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Brings just the right amount of warmth and spice.
How to Make Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt here is key as it seasons your pasta from the inside out. Cook the penne according to the package directions until it’s beautifully al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta well and set it aside — this will be the perfect base to soak up all that creamy garlic butter sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, grab your chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Let it sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until it’s golden and cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest—this keeps the meat juicy and tender when sliced.
Step 3: Create the Velvety Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter. When melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—that lovely aroma is the soul of your sauce. Gradually stir in Velveeta cheese and milk, mixing continuously to melt everything into a luxuriously creamy sauce. Then, sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until the sauce thickens just a bit, with a silky smooth texture that coats your pasta beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained penne to the skillet and toss it well in the creamy sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is evenly coated—this is where the magic happens. If the sauce feels a little too thick, a small splash of milk will loosen it right up without losing any richness.
Step 5: Slice Chicken and Assemble
Slice the rested chicken breasts and nestle them atop your perfectly sauced penne. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Serve the dish piping hot, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s both simple and spectacular!
How to Serve Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish can elevate this dish to restaurant-level presentation. Try topping with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of vibrant color and fresh aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese also adds a beautiful finish that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a wholesome main course but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The freshness and slight bitterness of greens provide a perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta, balancing your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at dinner parties, serve this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the overall flavor just before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a good problem to have), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this creamy dish for up to 1 month. Use a freezer-safe container and make sure to cool it completely before freezing. When thawed, the sauce might slightly separate, but a gentle stir during reheating will bring it back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. To keep the sauce silky, add a splash of milk while warming and stir often. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from breaking or the sauce becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli are great substitutes. Just keep the cooking time in mind to maintain that perfect al dente texture.
Is there a substitute for Velveeta cheese?
You can try sharp cheddar or Colby cheese if you want a different flavor profile, but keep in mind Velveeta melts more smoothly, giving that classic creaminess that makes this recipe so special.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Season the chicken well and don’t overcook it. Let it rest for several minutes after cooking to retain the juices before slicing. This step is crucial for tender chicken every time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even plant-based chicken alternatives. The creamy velveeta garlic butter sauce remains the star and complements all these options wonderfully.
What can I add to spice it up?
If you love a hint of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper into the sauce. This simple addition adds an exciting little kick without overpowering the creamy base.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe that feels like a celebration of simple ingredients done exceptionally well. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for family dinners or special occasions. So grab those ingredients, cook it up, and get ready to fall in love with the creamy, garlicky goodness that comes with every bite!
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Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts tossed in a luscious, cheesy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines penne pasta with a creamy blend of Velveeta, Parmesan, and garlic for an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (Substitutions: Rigatoni or rotini for different textures)
Chicken
- 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Season generously for best results)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For searing the chicken)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Use unsalted for better control over seasoning)
- 3 cloves Minced Garlic
- 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese (Substitution: Cheddar or Colby cheese for different flavor profiles)
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5–6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate to rest before slicing.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Gradually add Velveeta cheese and milk, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing in the creamy sauce until each piece is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the resting chicken breasts and place them atop the creamy pasta. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and herbs for garnishing. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish better.
- Substitute Velveeta with Cheddar or Colby cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Rigatoni or rotini pasta can be used instead of penne for a different texture.
- Be sure to rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
