Description

This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Velveeta Garlic Cream Sauce is a creamy, spicy pasta recipe loaded with bold Cajun flavor, juicy chicken, and smooth Velveeta cheese. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or pasta nights with a kick. Keywords: spicy cajun pasta, velveeta chicken rigatoni, creamy garlic pasta.

Ingredients

1 pound rigatoni pasta

1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. Sear in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Remove and slice or cube.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.

4. Slowly whisk in milk. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.

5. Add Velveeta cubes. Stir until melted. Add Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Return pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Notes

This dish is best served immediately for the creamiest texture.

Add a splash of milk when reheating to revive the sauce.

Avoid freezing as the cheese sauce may split when thawed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ¼ cups
Calories: 610
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 115mg