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
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