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.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 ounces penne pasta
1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
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.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use freshly minced garlic for the boldest flavor.
For a thinner sauce, add more cream or pasta water in small amounts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: chicken penne, Velveeta pasta, garlic cheese sauce