Description

Get ready to fall in love with your next comfort food obsession — Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce. This easy dinner idea is packed with flavor: juicy seared chicken thighs, tender penne pasta, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from smooth Velveeta and savory parmesan. With garlic butter infused throughout, it’s the perfect go-to for quick weeknight dinners, indulgent weekend meals, or satisfying lunch leftovers. Whether you’re looking for easy food ideas or creamy pasta recipes that deliver every time, this one’s a winner. It’s bold, hearty, and completely crave-worthy.

Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp olive oil

12 oz penne pasta

2 tbsp unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves finely minced

1½ cups whole milk

8 oz Velveeta cheese cubed

½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional

½ cup reserved pasta water

1 tbsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Rub evenly over the chicken thighs.

2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest and slice.

3. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in milk and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in cubed Velveeta, whisking until melted and smooth.

6. Add grated parmesan and stir until fully combined. Season with pepper and red pepper flakes if using.

7. Add pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce as needed.

8. Plate pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with parsley or Italian seasoning.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for best melt and flavor — it makes a big difference.

Don’t skip resting the chicken — it keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to make it heartier without overpowering the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 990mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken penne, velveeta recipes, easy dinner, comfort food