Cheesy Queso Chicken Penne Skillet

This Cheesy Queso Chicken Penne Skillet is creamy, cheesy, and just good. It’s one of those easy dinners that fills you up and makes everyone happy. You get pasta, chicken, cheese, and some spice all mixed in one pan. It’s quick to make, no mess, and really comforting.

It’s cheesy. It’s creamy. It’s got that little kick from the chilies. You’ll want to make it again.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

It’s simple. You don’t need much. It comes together fast. The sauce is thick and creamy, and the chicken stays juicy. The taco seasoning adds that nice Tex-Mex flavor. The peppers give a bit of crunch.

It’s also a one-pan deal. Less cleanup. More eating.

Everyone likes it. It’s mild, not too spicy. It’s filling. It’s easy.

What You’ll Need (With the Real Amounts)

Here’s everything. Nothing fancy.

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 16 ounces Mexican Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 2 cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green chilies — one drained, one not
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning

That’s it. You probably already have most of it.

How to Make It (Simple Steps)

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Boil some salted water. Add the penne. Cook it until it’s soft but still a little firm. Drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

In a big skillet, pour in olive oil. Medium-high heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Stir them around for 3 or 4 minutes until they get soft.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Toss the diced chicken into the same skillet. Sprinkle the taco seasoning on top. Mix it around. Cook for 7–8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Turn the heat down a little. Add the Velveeta cubes, the two cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies (one drained, one not), and the heavy cream. Stir slowly. Let the cheese melt and blend into a smooth sauce.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet. Stir until all of it is coated in the cheesy sauce. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so everything mixes together.

Step 6: Eat

Spoon it into bowls. Serve hot. It’s creamy, thick, and smells amazing.

Some Tips That Help

• Cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks the same.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. It keeps cooking in the sauce.
• Stir the cheese on low heat. It melts smoother.
• Add more cream if it feels too thick.
• Want spice? Throw in some hot sauce.

That’s pretty much it. It’s easy to get right.

Change It Up a Little

You can switch this recipe around and it still works fine.

• Add black beans or corn for more bite.
• Swap the chicken for ground turkey or beef.
• Use shredded cheddar if you don’t have Velveeta.
• Sprinkle tortilla chips on top for crunch.
• Add jalapeños if you want heat.

It’s one of those recipes that you can play with. Still good every time.

What to Eat With It

It’s a full meal by itself, but if you want sides, here are ideas:

• Garlic bread, to scoop the sauce.
• A green salad with a tangy dressing.
• Cornbread muffins or grilled corn.
• A cold drink like lemonade or sweet tea.

It’s rich, so something fresh on the side balances it out.

How to Keep Leftovers

You’ll probably have some left. Here’s what to do.

• Put it in a container with a lid. Keep it in the fridge for 3 days.
• You can freeze it too, up to 2 months.
• When you reheat, add a splash of milk or cream. Heat it slow, so the sauce turns smooth again.

Still tastes good the next day. Maybe better.

Common Questions

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Make the sauce and chicken early, then cook pasta later and mix them together.

What if I don’t have Velveeta?
Use cheddar or Monterey Jack. Just melt it slow.

Is it spicy?
Not really. It’s mild. You can make it hotter if you want.

Can I use other pasta shapes?
Sure. Shells, rotini, elbow — whatever you’ve got.

Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of cream. It’s still creamy, just not as thick.

That’s It

This Cheesy Queso Chicken Penne Skillet is simple food that tastes like comfort. You don’t need a lot. You don’t need time. Just a skillet, a few things, and you’ve got dinner that everyone will actually eat.

It’s cheesy. It’s filling. It’s easy. And it’s the kind of meal you’ll keep making because it works every time.

 

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