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Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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This cheesy garlic Cajun chicken pasta is a bold, creamy, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich Cajun-spiced cheese sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 2 tablespoonsCajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoongarlic powder
  • ½ teaspoonsmoked paprika
  • 12 ozpenne pasta
  • 4 tablespoonsbutter
  • 4cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cupall-purpose flour
  • 3 cupswhole milk
  • 8 ozVelveeta cheese, cubed
  • 4 ozcream cheese, softened
  • 1 cupshredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes without browning.
  6. Gradually whisk in the milk and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
  7. Reduce heat and stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Return the chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
  10. Warm through for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with parsley or chives and serve hot.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice preference.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
Use shredded cheddar or pepper jack if Velveeta is unavailable.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.delicetreats.com/cheesy-garlic-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/