Spicy Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Cheese
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 ½ cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth. Reduce the heat and add Velveeta cubes, stirring until melted and creamy. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and luxuriously cheesy. Season with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the drained rigatoni, stirring until every tube is coated in the garlic-cheese Velveeta cream. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen.
3. Pat chicken strips dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden-brown and slightly crispy around the edges. Lower the heat, add butter and garlic, and baste the chicken in garlicky butter for another 1–2 minutes.
4. To serve, pile the rigatoni in a deep bowl, letting the thick Cajun Velveeta garlic sauce drip down the ridges. Arrange the golden Cajun chicken strips on top and spoon over extra garlic butter. Finish with a dusting of Cajun seasoning, a sprinkle of parsley, and a shower of Parmesan.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Servings:4
Calories:~890 per serving