Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Rotini in Velveeta Cream Sauce. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce infused with zesty Cajun spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable—add your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese for a personal touch. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll have a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (9-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season chicken cubes with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté seasoned chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until cooked through (6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic; cook for about 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour to create a light roux (1-2 minutes).
- Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan; stir until melted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine cooked rotini and sautéed chicken into the sauce; mix gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as necessary for desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg