Imagine twirling your fork through tender penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety garlic cheese sauce, each bite laced with golden Velveeta and melty mozzarella. Now add juicy bites of perfectly seasoned chicken breast that soak up every drop of that creamy, savory blend. That’s what you get with this Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce—a weeknight comfort dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.

This dish hits every note you want from a cheesy pasta bake: bold flavor, creamy texture, and melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings cozy warmth to your table, with garlic singing through a silky sauce, mozzarella adding stretch and melt, and Velveeta doing what it does best—making everything irresistibly creamy.

Why You’ll Love This Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce

It’s the kind of dinner that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. Whether you’re a cheese lover, a busy parent needing something quick, or someone craving carbs after a long day, this recipe delivers. The combination of Velveeta and mozzarella creates a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce that doesn’t separate or feel too heavy. Garlic and Italian seasoning lift the flavor, while the baked finish brings a lightly golden top with bubbling cheese around the edges.

Cleanup? Easy. Prep? Straightforward. Taste? Comforting, satisfying, and totally craveable. It’s perfect for casual dinners, Sunday meal preps, or whenever you want something hearty and crowd-pleasing without much fuss.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

The magic comes from blending two types of cheese: Velveeta and mozzarella. Velveeta is key to the ultra-smooth consistency that coats the penne like a dream. It melts flawlessly without breaking, giving your sauce that creamy, nostalgic finish. Mozzarella adds the satisfying stretch and subtle flavor, perfect for pulling that first spoonful from the pan.

You can use low-moisture mozzarella for extra gooeyness or fresh mozzarella if you want a milder, milky taste. And yes, feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fontina if you’re feeling adventurous.

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

This dish is all about flavor-packed comfort with just a few staple ingredients. Each component plays an important role in building the creamy, cheesy, garlic-rich experience you’ll be craving again and again.

Penne Pasta
Chicken Breast
Velveeta Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Heavy Cream
Garlic
Butter
Italian Seasoning
Salt and Pepper

Penne Pasta is ideal for catching that creamy sauce in every bite, with its tube shape holding all that goodness inside.

Chicken Breast provides a hearty and lean protein that soaks up the garlic cheese sauce and adds substance.

Velveeta Cheese is essential for that signature creamy texture and mild cheddar-like flavor that melts seamlessly into the sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese adds gooeyness and that signature stretchy cheese pull that makes every bite a little more exciting.

Heavy Cream acts as the luscious base of the sauce, giving it body and richness that coats the pasta.

Garlic infuses the entire dish with a warm, savory depth that complements the cheeses perfectly.

Butter adds a touch of silkiness and helps sauté the garlic to mellow, golden perfection.

Italian Seasoning brings together herbs like oregano and basil to brighten the cheesy richness with a touch of earthy aroma.

Salt and Pepper round out all the flavors, keeping things balanced and savory.

Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce 2

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Season diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the pan and cook until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Once warm, add chunks of Velveeta and stir until fully melted and smooth. Sprinkle in shredded mozzarella and stir until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne and seared chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce and the chicken is tucked into all that cheesy goodness. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.

Step 5: Optional Baked Finish

For a bubbly golden top, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra mozzarella, and broil for a few minutes until it’s lightly browned and bubbling at the edges.

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

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can easily elevate your table with a simple side or fresh salad. Whether you’re dishing it out straight from the skillet or serving it in a casserole dish with a broiled cheesy topping, it always feels a little indulgent in the best way. One full batch makes enough to feed 4 to 6 people generously, depending on portion size.

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. If freezing, skip the baked finish and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce?

Garlic Bread with Herb Butter

A no-brainer when you have a creamy pasta dish. The crunch and buttery garlic flavor balance all that cheese.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright and slightly bitter, it cuts through the richness while still soaking up that luscious sauce if it ends up on the same fork.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized bite offers a delicious contrast to the creamy sauce. They bring a bit of savory-sweet depth to the plate.

Italian Side Salad

Crisp romaine, red onion, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a zippy vinaigrette will bring freshness and crunch.

Sautéed Zucchini and Squash

Lightly browned in a skillet with olive oil and garlic, this keeps the whole meal feeling warm and balanced.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

For the true carb lovers, these add crispy, cheesy texture on the side.

Lemon Herb Asparagus

The citrus and herbal notes offer brightness that complements the garlic cheese sauce beautifully.

A Glass of Chardonnay

Not a food, but if you’re sipping something, this buttery wine pairs well with the rich flavor of the pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Creamy Cheesy Twists?

If you love this Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce, there are plenty more indulgent and comforting pasta dishes waiting for you to discover. Try one of these next:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a lighter twist with a touch of veggies.
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you’re craving smoky flavor in a creamy sauce.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when you want heat and depth all in one bowl.
Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for a meatless yet umami-rich pasta night.
One-Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta when you want creamy and herby in under 30 minutes.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always just a click away when you’re craving creamy, cheesy comfort food.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you broil the top or keep it all skillet-creamy? Did you sneak in any extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms?

I love seeing your twists on my recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make every dish a winner.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Velveeta Chicken Penne in Creamy Mozzarella Garlic Cheese Sauce brings together the best of cheesy pasta night and cozy homemade comfort. With minimal prep and ingredients that are always crowd-pleasers, it’s a go-to recipe that satisfies every time. Whether it becomes your next meal prep favorite or the dish you whip up when guests come over, it never fails to deliver full-on flavor with every forkful.