Hey friend! First off — thank you for dropping by my kitchen today. I’m so grateful you’re here because this one’s special — it’s creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and absolutely guaranteed to be a family favorite. If you’ve been hunting for a comforting pasta dish that’s anything but boring, you’re in for a treat!
This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne is loaded with tender bites of Cajun-spiced chicken, smothered in a luscious Velveeta cream sauce, and finished with a trio of cheeses that makes every bite pure heaven.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne
Let’s be real — sometimes you just want a big bowl of cheesy pasta. This dish hits all the notes: perfectly cooked penne, juicy chicken with a flavorful Cajun kick, and a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every noodle.
I promised you comfort food and here’s proof! This pasta is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but indulgent enough to impress friends at a casual get-together. The aroma alone — garlic, butter, and Cajun spices mingling with melty cheese — will have everyone hovering in the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?!”
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut!
- Want extra veggies? Stir in sautéed bell peppers or spinach.
- Not a fan of Velveeta? Substitute with 2 cups shredded mild cheddar for a different cheesy vibe.
- Spice lover? Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Season & Cook Chicken: While pasta cooks, season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the milk, whisking gently. Add Velveeta and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
4️⃣ Add More Cheese: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed.
5️⃣ Combine: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce.
6️⃣ Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately while it’s hot and melty!
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Penne
- Garlic bread (because more carbs = more comfort!)
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli for some green goodness
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Cajun Pasta
✔️ Cube the Velveeta before adding — it melts faster and more evenly.
✔️ Cook the pasta just to al dente; it’ll soak up some sauce without getting mushy.
✔️ Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning — some blends are spicier than others!
✔️ Stir the sauce constantly while melting the cheeses to keep it silky smooth.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Totally! Rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work great too — anything with ridges to catch that cheesy sauce.
Is this super spicy?
It’s flavorful with a mild kick — but you can adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Cook and store the chicken and sauce separately. When ready to eat, toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it — cheesy, garlicky, Cajun-spiced pasta comfort in one pan! I’m kicking myself for not making this sooner. If you try this Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cream Sauce, I’d love to see your cheesy creations — snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest!
Looking for more cozy dinners? You’ll love these too:
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
- Cheesy Baked Ziti with Garlic Bread Crumbs
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~580 | Protein: 35g | Carbs: 55g | Fat: 25g
Thank you so much for cooking along with me today — now go on, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a pasta night worth remembering!
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