Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food fusion of bold Southern heat and rich, cheesy indulgence. The perfectly seasoned Cajun chicken packs a punch, while the velvety smooth garlic Velveeta sauce clings to every bite of rigatoni for a dish that’s deeply satisfying and undeniably crave-worthy. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality treat, all made in your own kitchen.

This dish brings together the smoky warmth of Cajun spice and the creamy tang of Velveeta with just the right amount of garlic to elevate the flavors. Whether you’re hosting guests or just need to spice up your dinner routine, this pasta is a guaranteed hit. It’s fast, flavorful, and will have everyone coming back for seconds.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

Look for a Cajun seasoning blend that balances heat with flavor—you want depth, not just spice. Some popular options include Slap Ya Mama, Tony Chachere’s, or making your own with smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. If you’re sensitive to heat, use a lighter hand or opt for a mild version.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

Chicken breast: The star of the dish—juicy, seared, and tossed in Cajun spice for maximum flavor.

Rigatoni pasta: The ridges in rigatoni are perfect for catching that luscious cream sauce.

Velveeta cheese: It melts like a dream and brings unmatched creaminess to the garlic sauce.

Heavy cream: Provides body and richness to the sauce.

Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives the sauce a kick of savory depth.

Cajun seasoning: Brings bold, smoky heat to the chicken and sauce.

Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.

Butter: Enhances the richness and adds silkiness to the sauce.

Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous finish.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Generously season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Create the Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the Velveeta cheese cubes and stir continuously until melted and fully combined. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it into the sauce until well coated. Then, add the drained rigatoni and mix to combine. Let everything warm together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot, with extra Cajun seasoning or grated cheese on the side for anyone who wants to amp up the flavor.

How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

This creamy, spicy rigatoni dish is best served hot and fresh, straight out of the skillet. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. Garlic bread or cheesy biscuits also make a perfect match for soaking up the leftover sauce.

For storing, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on your Cajun seasoning and how much you use. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the amount or using a mild Cajun blend.

Can I substitute the Velveeta cheese?

Yes, although Velveeta gives the smoothest result. You can use cream cheese or a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella, but the texture might be a bit less creamy.

What other pasta shapes work well with this sauce?

Penne, rotini, or even shells are great options. You want a shape that holds the sauce well.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated, so it’s not ideal. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein and skip the Cajun seasoning if it contains meat-based ingredients.

What’s the best way to add even more flavor?

Try adding diced onions to the garlic sauté, or stir in a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra kick and depth.

Want More Pasta Recipes with a Bold Kick?

If this Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni lit up your taste buds, you’ll definitely want to check out these other bold and creamy pasta dishes:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce if you’re craving a velvety comfort dish.
One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac for a one-skillet spicy twist.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a fusion of savory and creamy textures.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta if you’re leaning more toward bold beefy richness.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce when you want more Velveeta magic in your meals.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you dial up the Cajun heat or go mild? Try it with shrimp instead of chicken? Maybe added broccoli or mushrooms?

I love seeing your twists and tips—feel free to share pictures and feedback.

Looking for more mouthwatering meals? Visit me on Pinterest at Life with Nina for new daily recipes and family-friendly comfort food.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-inspired

Print Recipe

Description

Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce is a bold and comforting pasta dish packed with juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender rigatoni, and a rich, garlicky Velveeta cheese sauce. This one-skillet dinner is quick enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful enough to impress guests. Creamy, spicy, and indulgent in every bite.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

2. While pasta cooks, slice chicken into bite-sized strips. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt, then stir in minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Velveeta cubes and stir until completely melted and sauce is smooth.

6. Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss in sauce. Add cooked rigatoni and stir to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

7. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.