When comfort food calls, there’s nothing quite like a creamy pasta dish to answer. This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce hits all the right notes—rich, velvety cheese coating tender penne and juicy bites of chicken, all tied together with a savory garlic butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday evening, this recipe brings the kind of warmth and flavor that makes you want to lick the plate clean.

The sauce is what makes this meal truly irresistible. It combines the creamy melt of Velveeta with the nuttiness of Parmesan and the deep aroma of garlic butter, creating a silky texture that clings perfectly to every bite. The best part? It comes together fast and feeds a crowd without requiring hours at the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

This dish checks all the boxes: it’s quick, satisfying, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. The use of Velveeta ensures a consistently creamy sauce every single time, which is perfect if you’re not into fussy roux-based recipes. Plus, with pantry staples like pasta and garlic, you might already have everything you need at home.

It’s also versatile. Want to throw in broccoli or mushrooms? Go ahead. Craving a bit of heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This dish welcomes personal twists while still delivering its core comforting appeal.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Creamy Chicken Dishes?

Penne is a classic choice for a reason—those hollow centers and ridged surfaces hold onto the sauce beautifully. But if you don’t have penne, feel free to use rotini, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. The main goal is to use a pasta shape that can grab and hold that luscious cheesy sauce.

Whatever you choose, be sure to cook the pasta al dente, since it will continue to cook slightly as it soaks up the sauce at the end. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and lose the dish’s intended texture.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

The ingredients for this pasta dish are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create maximum flavor with minimal effort. Each component plays a key role in building the layers of richness, texture, and comfort in the final dish.

Penne pasta
Boneless skinless chicken breast
Velveeta cheese
Parmesan cheese
Butter
Garlic cloves
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Parsley (optional)

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce 2

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest, then slice into bite-sized strips.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and let it heat gently. Once warm, add cubes of Velveeta cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in grated Parmesan for extra depth.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Top with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne

This creamy chicken pasta is best served straight from the skillet, while the sauce is at its peak of velvety richness. The flavors are bold and comforting, and it doesn’t need much to turn it into a full meal. That said, if you’re feeding a crowd, serve it family-style with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan over the top.

Leftovers store wonderfully. Transfer any extra to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life and stir gently over low heat until warmed through.

This recipe feeds 4 to 6 people depending on portion size, making it ideal for a family dinner or a casual get-together.

What to Serve With Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

The classic sidekick to any pasta dish. Buttery, crisp, and perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Caesar Salad

A chilled Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons brings a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus—their roasted flavor pairs beautifully with creamy pasta.

Green Beans Almondine

Sautéed green beans with slivered almonds add crunch and a touch of elegance to the plate.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a vibrant and refreshing starter.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter enhance the savory tones of the pasta.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette offers a clean, sharp bite to balance the creaminess.

Corn on the Cob

Boiled or grilled corn brings a summer cookout vibe to the table and pairs especially well with the chicken and cheese.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Penne left you wanting more comforting pasta recipes, check out a few other crowd-pleasers from Mia Plates:

• Try this super satisfying Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you’re looking for another creamy twist on a classic.

• Craving rich flavors with a one-pot touch? This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is just what you need.

• For something with a beefy, cheesy finish, the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe brings a nostalgic, kid-friendly favorite to life.

• Love tortellini? Then don’t miss the indulgent Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce.

• Or go bold with One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta, perfect for a smoky and savory bite in every forkful.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up again whenever the craving strikes.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Try spinach? Maybe a pinch of cayenne? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

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