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.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Reserved 1/2 cup pasta water
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.
Notes
Use freshly minced garlic for the most robust flavor in the cream sauce.
For less heat, reduce Cajun seasoning or opt for a mild blend.
To make this dish even creamier, stir in an extra splash of cream just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 920
- Fat: 42
- Saturated Fat: 24
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 44
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 165
Keywords: spicy pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, Velveeta pasta, creamy garlic sauce