Here’s a rich and flavorful Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Velveeta Garlic Sauce recipe:
Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Velveeta Garlic Sauce
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni or pasta of choice
- Salt, for pasta water
For the creamy Velveeta garlic sauce:
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Optional garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Boil rigatoni according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken
- Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Velveeta garlic sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Lower heat and stir in Velveeta cubes and milk, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Season with black pepper, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese if using.
- Combine pasta and chicken
- Add cooked rigatoni and chicken to the sauce.
- Toss gently until pasta and chicken are fully coated.
- Serve
- Plate the Cajun chicken rigatoni and garnish with chopped parsley or extra Cajun seasoning.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
💡 Tips:
- For extra creaminess, add a splash more milk or heavy cream.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for more color and flavor.
- If you like a little kick, increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne to the sauce.
I can also give a one-pot version of this dish that’s faster and easier for weeknight cooking.
Do you want me to provide that one-pot version?
