When you’re in the mood for rich comfort food that delivers bold flavor and creamy satisfaction in every bite, this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne is a weeknight game-changer. Golden, pan-seared chicken breasts, seasoned to perfection, sit atop a bed of penne pasta drenched in a garlic butter parmesan sauce with melty Velveeta cheese. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth with each forkful, perfect for cozy evenings or impressing at casual dinner parties.

The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and the garlic butter twist makes this dish impossible to resist. And the best part? It comes together quickly with everyday pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this pasta dish is a soul-soothing delight you’ll keep coming back to.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne pasta is ideal for this dish thanks to its ridged surface and tubular shape, which beautifully holds onto the luscious cheese sauce. If you don’t have penne on hand, rigatoni or rotini are good substitutes. The key is choosing a pasta shape that allows the sauce and seasonings to cling to every bite.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and a savory base for the seasoning.

Velveeta Cheese – The star of the show for its ultra-creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that forms the foundation of the sauce.

Penne Pasta – A hearty, short pasta that soaks up all that cheesy garlic goodness.

Garlic (minced) – Delivers the bold, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish.

Butter – Essential for creating a rich garlic butter base that’s layered with flavor.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish to balance out the creamy Velveeta.

Italian Seasoning – Brings an herby kick and ties all the flavors together.

Salt & Black Pepper – Basic but necessary for seasoning the chicken and sauce to perfection.

Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and enhance the golden crust while locking in juiciness.

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Velveeta cheese cubes and a splash of milk, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Add grated Parmesan and mix until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with more Parmesan and Italian seasoning if desired.

Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. For a beautiful presentation, serve the creamy pasta on a platter and top it with sliced chicken. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creaminess.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside and buttery on the inside, garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with creamy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.

Steamed Broccoli

Lightly steamed broccoli brings a pop of color and freshness to your plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted with olive oil and sea salt, they add a savory, caramelized bite.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction add a refreshing contrast.

Crispy Zucchini

Whether air-fried or oven-baked, zucchini sticks make a great crunchy side.

Sautéed Green Beans

Quick and flavorful, these add a vibrant veggie note to your meal.

Creamy Tomato Soup

Velvety tomato soup pairs surprisingly well with the garlicky pasta and offers a cozy starter.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this creamy Velveeta chicken pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these irresistible pasta creations next:

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added crispy bacon bits or tossed in spinach for color? I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your tweaks or questions in the comments.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Craving an easy dinner that tastes like a warm hug? This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne is everything: juicy pan-seared chicken, tender penne pasta, and a rich, garlicky butter parmesan sauce that’s made even dreamier with melty Velveeta cheese. It’s a go-to meal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you need comfort food fast. This dish is pure comfort, easy to make, and full of flavor—perfect for anyone searching for food ideas, dinner ideas, or a quick and creamy pasta fix.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Set aside to rest.

3. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add Velveeta cheese and milk. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.

5. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until sauce thickens.

6. Toss in the cooked pasta until evenly coated with the sauce.

7. Slice the chicken and serve over the creamy pasta.

8. Garnish with more parmesan or herbs if desired.