Description

This Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is the ultimate comfort food for your next weeknight dinner or indulgent weekend feast. Perfectly seared chicken thighs are drenched in garlicky butter and paired with penne pasta bathed in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from melted Velveeta and mozzarella. This easy dinner idea is packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and satisfying protein, making it a go-to recipe for family meals, dinner ideas, or cozy nights in. If you’re looking for a quick dinner that tastes like something from your favorite restaurant, this cheesy chicken pasta is it!

Ingredients

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

0.5 teaspoon black pepper

0.75 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

12 ounces penne pasta

1.5 cups whole milk

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

8 ounces Velveeta cheese cubed

0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons reserved pasta water

fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30–45 seconds. Stir in parsley and drizzle this mixture over the cooked chicken.

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

5. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk until thickened.

6. Add Velveeta, mozzarella, and garlic powder. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Stir pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

8. Plate cheesy pasta with garlic butter chicken on the side or top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Always cook the cheese sauce on low heat to prevent it from becoming grainy.

Rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

For best results, shred your own mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded varieties.

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1½ cups
Calories: 740
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: easy dinner, cheesy pasta, Velveeta recipe, garlic butter chicken, comfort food, chicken and pasta, dinner ideas, creamy sauce