Go Back
–+ servings

Spicy Creamy Penne

Indulge in rich and creamy Spicy Creamy Penne with Velveeta Chicken. Packed with bold flavors and ready in 30 minutes, it's the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Easy to make and impossible to resist!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning plus extra for the sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • q.s. Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • a pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • q.s. Chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Sharp knives

Method
 

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente, about 10-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, then stir in Velveeta cheese until smooth. Mix in Parmesan and mozzarella, adjusting seasonings as needed.
  4. Add the drained penne to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water. Divide onto plates, top with chicken, and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 41gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is perfect for casual dinners, and leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!