Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

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Golden, juicy pan-seared chicken thighs are drizzled with a rich garlic butter glaze and nestled next to a dreamy pile of penne pasta smothered in a creamy Velveeta and mozzarella cheese sauce. Every bite is loaded with comfort, from the tender chicken seasoned to perfection, to the velvety, cheesy pasta that brings everything together with bold flavor and a silky texture.

This dish is everything you crave in a satisfying dinner: cozy, indulgent, and downright irresistible. It brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen, with surprisingly simple steps. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is a hearty and unforgettable choice.

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Why You’ll Love This Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

• Cheesy Comfort: That sauce? Pure molten gold. Velveeta melts like a dream and pairs beautifully with stretchy mozzarella and fragrant garlic.
• Bold Flavor: The chicken is pan-seared for a crispy crust and infused with garlic butter and herbs.
• Fuss-Free: Despite its restaurant-like presentation, this dish is made with simple ingredients and clear steps.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s crowd-pleasing for parties, easy enough for weeknights, and luxurious enough for date night.
• Customizable: Swap in different pasta, add veggies, or go spicy with chili flakes.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

To bring this Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce to life, you don’t need a professional kitchen—just the right tools used wisely. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Crucial for searing the chicken thighs to get that golden-brown, flavorful crust.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling the penne pasta. Go for a deep one so the pasta cooks evenly without sticking.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for making the cheese sauce—smooth, controlled heat ensures the Velveeta melts properly without burning.
• Whisk: Helps keep the cheese sauce silky by breaking up any lumps as you stir in the cheese and milk.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken pieces without piercing them and losing those delicious juices.
• Colander: For draining pasta—just don’t rinse, so the sauce sticks better.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For trimming the chicken and prepping garlic or optional herbs.

Each tool adds to the efficiency and quality of your final dish—this isn’t about fancy gear, just smart kitchen strategy.

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Preparation Tips

• Let Chicken Come to Room Temp: About 15–20 minutes on the counter before cooking helps it sear evenly and stay juicy.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on the chicken. Flavor layers matter.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slight bite is key, since it’ll soak up some of the sauce after mixing.
• Use Low Heat for Sauce: Cheese can separate if overheated. Melt slowly and whisk continuously for a creamy finish.
• Save Pasta Water: Reserve about ½ cup before draining to loosen the sauce later if needed.
• Rest Chicken After Cooking: Let it sit 5 minutes before slicing—locks in moisture.

Following these prep details ensures your pasta is rich, the chicken is juicy, and your sauce doesn’t miss a beat.

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

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¾ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp reserved pasta water (optional, to adjust consistency)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

This ingredient lineup blends creamy, savory, and cheesy elements with bold, juicy chicken—creating a comforting and flavor-packed meal you’ll want to revisit often.

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Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F). Remove from pan and set aside to rest.

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Step 3: Garlic Butter Glaze

In the same pan, lower the heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped parsley. Spoon this garlic butter over the chicken while it rests.

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Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

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Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Add cubed Velveeta, mozzarella, and garlic powder. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.

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Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the cheese sauce, stirring until each piece is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. Garnish with fresh parsley.

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Step 7: Serve

Plate the cheesy penne next to the juicy, garlic-buttered chicken thighs. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort on a plate.

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Notes

• Velveeta melts beautifully into a rich, smooth cheese sauce. Don’t substitute it unless you’re experienced with cheese sauce alternatives.
• Use fresh garlic and parsley for best flavor. Pre-minced garlic or dried herbs can’t match the intensity and aroma.
• Balance the richness by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a side of lightly dressed greens if the dish feels too heavy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: It turns dry and chewy. Use a meat thermometer and pull it off the heat at 165°F.
• Boiling the cheese sauce: Velveeta can break and turn grainy if overheated. Keep the heat low and stir constantly.
• Undercooked flour in the roux: If not cooked at least 1 minute, it can give your sauce a raw, floury taste.
• Skipping pasta water: This starchy liquid is liquid gold for loosening the sauce without diluting flavor.
• Crowding the pan when searing chicken: Leads to steaming, not browning. Cook in batches if needed.
• Over-salting: Velveeta already contains salt. Taste before adding extra.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent smooth melting. Shred fresh mozzarella for best results.
• Not resting the chicken: Cutting it too soon makes all the juices run out. Let it rest 5–7 minutes for max juiciness.

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What to Serve With Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce?

This dish is already rich and satisfying, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the experience. Balance the creamy pasta and juicy chicken with something crisp, fresh, or tangy to round out the plate.

8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli
   A crunchy, slightly charred veggie that pairs beautifully with the cheesy sauce.
2. Caesar Salad
   Cool, crisp romaine with parmesan and tangy dressing provides contrast to the warm richness.
3. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
   Sweet and juicy, they add acidity and brightness to the creamy pasta.
4. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks
   Perfect for scooping up extra cheese sauce on the plate—because none of it should go to waste.
5. Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Zest
   Light and slightly citrusy to cleanse the palate.
6. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
   The tangy-sweet glaze cuts through the heaviness of the cheese sauce.
7. Simple Cucumber Salad
   Cool, refreshing, and crunchy—a great textural contrast.
8. Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips
   Baked or air-fried, they add a cheesy crunch without being too filling.

These options complement the bold flavors of the Velveeta chicken penne while adding freshness, texture, and balance to your meal.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce store surprisingly well—just follow these tips to maintain flavor and texture:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the pasta and chicken together or separate, depending on how you prefer to reheat.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the cheese sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The creamy sauce can separate and become grainy after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — serves 4)

Please note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on exact brands and measurements used.

• Calories: 740
• Protein: 44g
• Fat: 39g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Serving Size: About 1½ cups
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

This meal is indulgent and protein-packed—a great comfort dinner best enjoyed in moderate portions or shared family-style.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, but keep an eye on the cook time. Chicken breasts cook faster and dry out more easily. Slice them thinner or pound to an even thickness for even cooking.

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2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the components separately (chicken, pasta, sauce), then reheat and combine when ready to serve. Just add a splash of milk when reheating the sauce to keep it creamy.

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3. What can I substitute for Velveeta?

If you prefer not to use processed cheese, try a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheddar, though the texture may be slightly less smooth.

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4. Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. It’s savory and cheesy with no heat. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the chicken seasoning or sauce.

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5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would all blend nicely into the cheese sauce or sit under the chicken.

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6. What pasta shapes can I use instead of penne?

Rotini, rigatoni, ziti, or even shells work well. Choose pasta with ridges or grooves to hold more of that luscious cheese sauce.

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7. How do I keep the sauce from getting clumpy?

Keep the heat low and stir constantly when melting cheese into the milk. Don’t rush it. Also, avoid using pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.

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8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch (use half as much).

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Conclusion

Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is everything you want in a feel-good dinner—creamy, flavorful, and soul-satisfying. It brings together golden seared chicken, tender pasta, and a smooth, melty cheese sauce in one skillet-friendly masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something rich and comforting, this recipe brings restaurant-level indulgence to your own kitchen with surprisingly simple steps.

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