Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce is comfort food with an irresistible attitude. Juicy, seasoned chicken gets seared to perfection, then tossed with tender rigatoni and bathed in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce made with Velveeta for that smooth melt you know and love. The Cajun seasoning adds the right kick, balancing heat and flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Whether you’re craving something cozy after a long day or looking to spice up your usual pasta night, this rigatoni recipe delivers a satisfying punch. It’s indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make. With its creamy richness, bold spice, and savory chicken, it feels like a weeknight win that could easily pass for a restaurant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is the perfect marriage of spice and comfort. The Cajun seasoning brings smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy garlic sauce. Using Velveeta ensures the creaminess is unbeatable and silky smooth every time. It’s also incredibly filling, ideal for serving a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers. And if you love one-pan-style meals, you’ll appreciate how easily it comes together with minimal cleanup.

What Kind of Rigatoni or Chicken Should I Use?

Rigatoni is ideal because its ridges hold onto all that glorious sauce, but penne or ziti can work if you’re in a pinch. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts or thighs are both great choices—it just depends on whether you prefer lean or more juicy cuts. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie, just make sure it’s well-seasoned to carry the dish. And if you want to go wild, blackened chicken works beautifully here too.

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

Let’s talk about what makes this dish so crave-worthy. Every ingredient plays a part in building a spicy, creamy, soul-warming experience. From the heat of the Cajun seasoning to the rich melt of Velveeta, each component brings its flavor game to the table.

• Rigatoni pasta: The perfect pasta for holding thick, creamy sauces thanks to its ridges and tubular shape.
• Chicken breast or thighs: Adds heartiness and protein, soaking up the Cajun spice beautifully.
• Cajun seasoning: The flavor driver—smoky, spicy, and a little herby.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves give the sauce its signature aroma and depth.
• Butter: Starts the base of the sauce and helps with sautéing the garlic.
• All-purpose flour: Creates a light roux to thicken the sauce.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps dissolve the Velveeta evenly.
• Velveeta cheese: The star of the show for creamy, melty richness.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer to balance the Velveeta.
• Salt and pepper: To season everything just right.
• Parsley (optional): For garnish and a bit of freshness.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest, then slice or cube.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Add cubes of Velveeta and stir until fully melted into the sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until combined. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until coated in the cheesy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Get ready for bites of spicy, creamy, cheesy comfort!

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

This dish is definitely one to serve piping hot and fresh from the skillet. That’s when the Velveeta garlic cream sauce is at its peak creaminess, coating every bite of rigatoni and spiced chicken. It feeds about 4 hungry people, or 5 to 6 if you pair it with sides. If you’re making it for meal prep, it’s also great the next day—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of milk or water helps revive the sauce to its original creaminess.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this one because cheese sauces can split once thawed. But fresh leftovers? Absolutely worth saving.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is made to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Simple Side Salad

A cool and crunchy salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast.

Roasted Broccoli

The charred flavor of roasted broccoli complements the creamy richness of the pasta beautifully.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn with butter balances the Cajun spice in the dish.

Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Adds color and nutrients without overwhelming the dish.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

If you’re going all-out comfort, these crispy potatoes are a double-carb win.

Grilled Zucchini

A lighter veggie side that pairs especially well with Cajun flavors.

Sparkling Lemon Water

Keeps your palate refreshed between creamy, spicy bites and adds a little elegance to the meal.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this spicy Cajun chicken rigatoni left you dreaming about more creamy, flavor-packed pastas, here are a few favorites worth bookmarking:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is another creamy rigatoni option with a meaty, garlicky punch.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe gives you a spicier, quicker fix when time is tight.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for seafood lovers craving a creamy twist on classic comfort.
• Easy Chicken with Zucchini Corn Garlic Sauce offers a lighter take with summer veggies and garlic richness.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine brings bold, buttery flavor with a kick.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra Cajun seasoning or try a different pasta shape? Did you sneak in some veggies or add shrimp?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for comfort food that hits every craving: Luna Meals on Pinterest

Conclusion

This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce checks every box: bold, creamy, comforting, and satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to over and over again. And the best part? It all comes together with everyday ingredients and a touch of Southern flair. Perfect for pasta lovers who like a little heat and a lot of flavor.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?