Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta 🍝 – Creamy, Bold & Bursting with Flavor!

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that delivers creamy goodness with a spicy twist, this Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta is it. With bold Cajun spices, rich cheesy sauce, and juicy chicken, this easy one-pan pasta dinner is a weeknight winner. It’s a satisfying, soul-warming meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

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Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta 🍝 – Creamy, Bold & Bursting with Flavor! 4

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Rich, cheesy, and creamy texture
  • Bold Cajun seasoning adds the perfect kick
  • One-pan meal = minimal cleanup
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Family-friendly and freezer-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

Meat

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley or chopped chives (for garnish)

Dairy

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese
  • 3 cups whole milk

Spices & Pantry

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

Season chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Roux

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 more minute until lightly golden.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly whisk in whole milk, stirring constantly. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, cream cheese, mozzarella, Velveeta, and parmesan. Stir until smooth and melted.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss well to coat evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Serving Ideas

This bold pasta pairs well with:

  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables
  • A fresh green salad
  • A glass of chilled white wine

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut
  • Add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat
  • Substitute penne with fettuccine or rigatoni
  • To make it extra creamy, stir in a bit more milk as needed
  • Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or milk
Print
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Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta 🍝 – Creamy, Bold & Bursting with Flavor!


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  • Author: Sarah Yummyum Recipes
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and boldly seasoned this Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta is your new go-to comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, Cajun heat, and rich cheese sauce, it’s perfect for a quick dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

12 oz penne pasta

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp garlic powder

Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

4 tbsp butter

4 oz cream cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated parmesan

8 oz Velveeta cheese

3 cups whole milk

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil


Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.

5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden.

6. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.

7. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, cream cheese, mozzarella, Velveeta, and parmesan.

8. Stir until melted and creamy.

9. Add chicken and pasta. Mix to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

10. Garnish with parsley or chives and serve hot.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

Add hot sauce for more spice.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat with a splash of milk or broth.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

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