Comfort food dreams come true with this creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed Velveeta Chicken Penne. It’s a crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something you’d order at a cozy restaurant. Tender seasoned chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden and juicy, then served alongside al dente penne smothered in a garlic-forward Velveeta and mozzarella cheese sauce that’s just the right balance of sharp and creamy.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping for a week of lunches, or impressing guests, this dish is always a hit. And let’s be honest—nothing beats a sauce that hugs every single piece of pasta. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star here. They stay juicier than chicken breasts and absorb seasoning well, making them perfect for pan-searing. If you prefer white meat, you can swap in chicken breast, just watch the cook time to avoid drying out.

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

Chicken Thighs
Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for pan-searing to build the base of this meal.

Penne Pasta
Ideal for catching all the creamy cheese sauce in its ridges and tubes.

Velveeta Cheese
The key to that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce consistency.

Mozzarella Cheese
Adds the stringy, cheesy pull that makes each bite extra satisfying.

Heavy Cream
Creates a rich and velvety texture for the sauce.

Fresh Garlic
Sautéed to infuse the entire sauce with bold, aromatic depth.

Butter
Used to pan-sear the chicken and bring a rich flavor base to the sauce.

Parsley
Freshly chopped for a hint of color and freshness to finish.

Salt, Pepper, Paprika, and Garlic Powder
The ultimate seasoning combo to make that chicken sing.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Season both sides of your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let them sit while you prepare the pasta water.

Step 2: Boil the Penne

Cook penne pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Pan-Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in cubed Velveeta and shredded mozzarella until smooth and melty.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked penne into the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, loosen with a bit of reserved pasta water. Slice or leave whole the chicken thighs and nestle them alongside or over the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving and Storing Velveeta Chicken Penne

Serve this dish piping hot, right out of the skillet or plated individually for a bistro-style experience. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

To store leftovers, transfer the pasta and chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. This dish also freezes surprisingly well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but make sure not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

What if I don’t have Velveeta?

You can substitute with any processed cheese or even a combination of cheddar and cream cheese, though the sauce texture may vary.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prep the chicken and sauce ahead and cook the pasta just before serving for best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all, but you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you’d like some heat.

What herbs can I substitute for parsley?

Try fresh basil, thyme, or even chives for a different flavor finish.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne, you’ll enjoy these delicious pasta creations from Life with Jam:

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce — For when you want bold, savory comfort.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli — A cozy, filling twist.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta — Simple, hearty, and perfect for weeknights.
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne — Loaded with veggies and flavor.
Creamy Tortellini Recipe — A dish you can count on for pure satisfaction.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it fast whenever you’re craving creamy comfort food.

If you try this Velveeta Chicken Penne, I’d love to hear how it went! Did you toss in any extras like spinach or mushrooms? Snap a photo and tag me, or drop a comment below—your feedback makes this community so special.

And for daily recipes and behind-the-scenes kitchen fun, follow along on my Pinterest: Life with Jam.

Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne features juicy, seasoned chicken thighs paired with penne pasta in a rich garlic cheese sauce made from Velveeta and mozzarella. It’s a family-friendly, weeknight-approved dinner that’s as indulgent as it is easy.

Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sear chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

5. Stir in Velveeta and mozzarella cheese until smooth and melted.

6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Slice or leave whole the cooked chicken thighs and place on or beside the pasta.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.