Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

The Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe highlights the deliciousness of Velveeta cheese, making it a standout choice for cheese lovers. Its comforting flavors and straightforward preparation make it suitable for various occasions, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Goodness: The blend of cheeses creates an incredibly rich and velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the penne.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this cheesy chicken dish, making it a family favorite.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is made in one skillet, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing this cheesy chicken penne.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot ensures your penne cooks evenly without overcrowding.
• Skillet: A good-quality skillet distributes heat evenly for perfect chicken cooking and sauce preparation.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Pasta

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 10 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Sauce

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• teaspoon onion powder
• teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• cup heavy cream
• cup whole milk
• cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed

For Cheesy Finish

• cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until well coated.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes. Turn as needed until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter until melted. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheeses

Add Velveeta cubes along with cream cheese into the mixture. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Incorporate Mozzarella and Parmesan

Lower heat further and mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until everything melts together into a thick sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Return cooked penne pasta along with chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently until everything is coated in that luscious cheesy garlic butter sauce. Let it heat through for another minute or two.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish off with chopped parsley on top along with red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Serve hot to enjoy this comforting meal!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

Serving Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is a delightful experience that allows you to enjoy its rich flavors. Here are some creative ways to present this dish for a satisfying meal.

Family Style Presentation

• Serve the penne in a large, colorful bowl. This encourages everyone to help themselves and makes for a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Individual Bowls

• Portion out the cheesy chicken penne into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley for an appealing touch.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Serve alongside warm garlic bread to complement the creamy sauce and soak up any extra goodness.

Add a Salad

• Pair with a crisp green salad. A refreshing side adds balance and enhances the overall meal experience.

Top with Extra Cheese

• For cheese lovers, consider sprinkling additional mozzarella or Parmesan on top before serving. It adds an extra layer of indulgence.

How to Perfect Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

To ensure your Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality cheese for better flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the penne until al dente. It will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
• Adjust Thickness: If your sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Generously: Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps all flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the pasta.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings added flavor and nutrition.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light companion to the dish.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy penne.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the penne too long can lead to mushy pasta. Always follow package instructions and aim for al dente for the best texture.
• Using low-quality cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Opt for Velveeta and fresh mozzarella for a creamy sauce that binds beautifully without clumping.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned chicken or sauce can make your dish bland. Don’t skip on salt, pepper, and spices like smoked paprika for added flavor.
• Skipping the reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency. Always reserve some before draining your pasta to achieve that velvety finish.
• Not letting the sauce simmer: Rushing through the simmering stage can prevent flavors from developing. Allow your sauce to gently simmer for a few minutes for maximum taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months; label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to a skillet. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta for Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce?

Yes! While penne is ideal, you can substitute with other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli. Just ensure it cooks evenly.

How do I make Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce spicier?

To add spice, incorporate red pepper flakes when cooking garlic or use spicy cheese varieties. Adjust according to your heat preference!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook everything except combining it with pasta ahead of time. Store separately and combine before serving.

What sides pair well with Cheesy Chicken Penne?

Consider serving it with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Both complement the richness of the dish nicely.

How do I store leftovers of Cheesy Chicken Penne?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is not only rich and comforting but also highly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or even switching up the protein. It’s a delicious meal perfect for any night of the week—give it a try!

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Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy delight of Cheesy Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce. This comforting dish features tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made with Velveeta cheese and aromatic garlic. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and promises satisfaction for even the pickiest eaters. With its one-pan simplicity, you’ll enjoy minimal cleanup while savoring every cheesy bite. Elevate your dinner experience with this delightful meal that brings warmth and comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 10 oz penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 cup Velveeta cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve some pasta water.
2. Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook seasoned chicken until golden brown; set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk; simmer gently.
6. Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted.
7. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
8. Combine cooked penne and chicken into the sauce; heat through.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One-Pan
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 130mg