Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Cajun Chicken Cheesy Rigatoni in Velveeta Cream Sauce, a delightful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This meal combines tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a creamy cheese sauce that coats the rigatoni with irresistible gooeyness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is not only easy but also offers a satisfying comfort food experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether served as a main course or alongside a fresh salad, this dish is sure to please kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 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. Cook seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown.
- 4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Whisk in flour to form a roux; gradually add milk until thickened.
- 5. Stir in Velveeta and mozzarella cheeses until melted into a smooth sauce.
- 6. Combine chicken and rigatoni with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- 7. Serve hot with optional garnishes like parsley or chives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to personalize the dish by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste preferences.