Description
This Cajun Chicken Rotini in Creamy Mozzarella Velveeta Sauce is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender, spiced chicken with a luscious blend of Velveeta and shredded mozzarella cheeses. The creamy sauce, enhanced with heavy cream and butter, perfectly coats al dente rotini pasta, making it a comforting and indulgent meal. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish balances smoky Cajun seasoning with smooth, cheesy goodness for a satisfying dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Sauce
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Garnish
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse bold flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken cubes until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the rest.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in heavy cream and warm until just heated through. Add cubed Velveeta and shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the drained rotini and cooked chicken into the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or breasts for leaner protein.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for perfect creaminess.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less rich.
