Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce. This creamy and rich pasta dish combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne, coated in a luscious blend of Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. It’s not just a quick meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth to your table and is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With just 30 minutes of preparation, this versatile recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving some pasta water.
- Season and sauté the chicken in olive oil until golden brown; set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk; let simmer briefly.
- Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted.
- Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine cooked pasta and chicken with the sauce; stir gently.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: Customize with vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. You can substitute heavy cream with more chicken broth for a lighter version.