Description

Garlic Cajun Chicken Cheesy Rigatoni in Velveeta Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that perfectly balances creamy textures with a hint of spice. This delightful pasta meal features tender chicken pieces coated in aromatic Cajun seasoning, enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from Velveeta, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and kid-friendly, making it a hit for the whole family. Serve it hot for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz rigatoni pasta
8 oz Velveeta cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups whole milk
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
4 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 tbsp butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Toss chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic before whisking in flour to make a roux.
5. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened; stir in cheeses until melted.
6. Combine cooked chicken and rigatoni with the sauce; mix well.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For added heat, include extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. Substitute gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences. Customize the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.