Description
Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta is a comforting and rich dish perfect for cozy nights. This recipe combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a luscious Velveeta cheese sauce flavored with garlic, onion powder, and a touch of paprika, resulting in a creamy and flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare and delightfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz Penne Pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups Velveeta Cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Warm the Milk and Butter: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in milk, warming gently without bringing it to a boil for about 2-3 minutes to ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the Velveeta Cheese: Add cubed Velveeta cheese to the warm milk mixture. Stir continuously over low heat for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to blend all the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta directly into the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta thoroughly. Let the pasta sit on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure warmth.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy penne pasta hot and garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika to add a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use whole milk as specified, but you may substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Be careful to melt the Velveeta cheese over low heat to avoid it becoming grainy or separating.
- Adjust seasoning gradually and taste as you go to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
- This dish pairs excellently with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
