Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

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Golden, herb-seasoned chicken thighs paired with creamy, cheesy penne? That’s a weeknight dream turned reality. This Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce is everything comfort food should be: rich, flavorful, easy to put together, and guaranteed to satisfy every cheese lover at the table.

The blend of Velveeta and mozzarella creates a silky sauce that clings perfectly to rigatoni or penne pasta, while the juicy chicken gets a boost from garlic butter and pan-seared edges. Whether you’re feeding family or prepping leftovers for the week, this dish has your back. Plus, it’s one of those rare meals that tastes even better the next day.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

This recipe works best with short, tube-style pasta like rigatoni or penne because the sauce coats every ridge and crevice. Rigatoni offers a slightly chewier bite, while penne gives a more familiar texture. You can use either based on your personal preference—just avoid long noodles, which don’t hold the sauce as well.

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

Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): These stay juicy and tender even after searing, and they soak up all the garlic butter goodness.

Rigatoni or Penne Pasta: The ideal pasta shape to cradle all that creamy cheese sauce.

Velveeta Cheese: This is the base of the sauce, offering unbeatable creaminess and a nostalgic flavor that melts beautifully.

Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Adds gooey stretch and mild flavor to the Velveeta for a perfect cheese blend.

Garlic (minced): Enhances the sauce with deep, savory notes that complement the cheeses.

Butter: For sautéing the garlic and chicken, giving a rich, golden crust.

Heavy Cream: Gives body to the sauce and balances the richness of the cheeses.

Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential for seasoning the chicken and building flavor throughout the dish.

Fresh Parsley (optional): A fresh finish for garnish that adds color and brightness.

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How To Make the Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.

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Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne or rigatoni and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

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Step 3: Build the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add a little more butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and let it warm through. Stir in Velveeta cubes and shredded mozzarella, whisking continuously until melted and smooth.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir until the pasta is glossy and fully coated.

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Step 5: Add Chicken and Garnish

Slice the rested chicken thighs into strips or chunks and place them on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and serve warm.

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How to Serve and Store Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

Serve this dish hot right from the skillet, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and perhaps a side of roasted veggies or a simple salad to balance the richness. It also pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to scoop up that extra cheese sauce.

To store leftovers, allow everything to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its original texture—microwave or stovetop both work well.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this one due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate after thawing. If you must freeze, store the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken for better results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but be careful not to overcook. Chicken breasts can dry out quicker than thighs. Slice them thin or pound them evenly before cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead—cook the pasta, sear the chicken, and even make the sauce. Combine everything when ready to serve for best flavor and texture.

Is Velveeta the only cheese I can use?

Velveeta gives the creamiest result, but you can substitute with American cheese or even cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just ensure it melts smoothly.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

What vegetables go well with this dish?

Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or peas are great add-ins that complement the cheesy flavors nicely.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Use reserved pasta water or a splash of milk or cream while reheating or serving. Stir constantly to maintain a silky texture.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with Creamy, Cheesy Flavor?

If you love this Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce, you might want to explore more rich and satisfying pasta dishes from the blog. Here are a few that bring bold, comforting flavors to the table:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a ricotta-forward twist on creamy pasta.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce when you crave that Velveeta comfort with a beefy touch.
• One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac if you’re in the mood for spice with your creaminess.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a robust garlic and cheese experience.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli when you want your pasta stuffed and loaded with greens.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it anytime you’re craving ultra-cheesy comfort food.

And when you try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you add a veggie twist or turn up the heat with spice? Let’s swap notes in the comments.

📌 Find more creamy pasta and chicken dinners on my Pinterest Life with Nina board where I share my daily recipes and dinner favorites.

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