Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe is a bold, one-pan pasta that tosses seasoned chicken cubes with al dente penne in a velvety, garlicky cheese sauce made creamy with Velveeta and mozzarella—ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or Cajun cravings with quick stovetop magic. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort pasta with smoky spice and cheesy indulgence. Whether you’re spicing up family meals or serving a crowd, you can cook this Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe to deliver hearty, satisfying bowls without the fuss. For more herbed pasta inspiration, check out our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, which adds fresh twists to creamy sauces like this one.
What is the Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe?
The Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe is a stovetop pasta dish where bite-sized chicken is seasoned with Cajun spices, seared golden, then tossed with cooked penne in a homemade cheese sauce built from a roux, milk, Velveeta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for ultra-creamy texture—perfect for spicy comfort food. This flavorful essential is ideal for busy cooks, requiring one skillet for everything from searing to saucing. If you’re craving effortless Cajun flair, follow the Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe to recreate this cheesy favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to herb-infused mains like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, where cheese melts similarly.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe
There are countless reasons why the perfect Cajun garlic chicken penne with Velveeta cheese sauce recipe has become a staple for pasta lovers everywhere. From its one-skillet convenience to its spicy-creamy satisfaction, this recipe delivers big on bold flavors without sacrificing speed. Here’s why you’ll stir it up on repeat:
Quick and Effortless One-Skillet Magic
One of the best parts of the perfect Cajun garlic chicken penne with Velveeta cheese sauce recipe is how it cooks in 30 minutes total, with chicken searing and sauce building in the same pan. Just season, boil pasta, and combine—no multiple pots. It’s perfect for weeknights when you need dinner fast, similar to the easy toss in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This recipe captures Cajun heat with smoky paprika, garlicky roux, and ultra-melty Velveeta in a creamy embrace around tender chicken and penne, creating bowls that are spicy yet comforting. It’s customizable with heat levels or veggies—much like how herb-infused notes elevate dishes in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Kitchen Cleanup
True to skillet simplicity, everything from chicken to sauce happens in one pan, keeping your kitchen clean. It’s as straightforward as the steps below, using pantry staples like Velveeta and Cajun mix for a stress-free meal, much like the single-pan ease of our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Versatile for Any Meal
Whether it’s a family dinner or potluck, this pasta adapts seamlessly. Add shrimp for surf-and-turf or lighten with yogurt. Experiment with cheeses, similar to how lemon brightens up the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Ideal for Feeding Families
The recipe serves 6 generously, making it perfect for groups without leftovers overload. It’s a protein-packed option, providing bold, satisfying pasta for busy nights, and pairs well with salads from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for a full spread.
A Pasta Showstopper
With its golden chicken bits, glossy cheese sauce, and garlicky aroma, this dish looks like restaurant-worthy—impressive yet homey. Garnish with parsley for that fresh pop; it’s sure to please, just like the bold layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
The perfect Cajun garlic chicken penne with Velveeta cheese sauce recipe offers the ideal mix of convenience, flavor, and spicy comfort, making it a must-try for pasta fans. If you’re after dishes that do the work while you twirl, this one will quickly become your go-to! For gluten-free adaptations, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment, which swaps for pasta shells.
Spicy, creamy perfect Cajun garlic chicken penne with Velveeta cheese sauce recipe, golden chicken and velvety coating—perfect for dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave bold pasta.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Main Dish, Pasta, Comfort Food
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American/Cajun
Ingredients
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Chicken
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Pasta & Sauce
12 oz penne pasta
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
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Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: ~660
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Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes (for tender protein)
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for smoky heat)
1 tsp garlic powder (for aroma)
½ tsp smoked paprika (for depth)
Pasta & Sauce Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta (for hearty base; GF penne for gluten-free like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment)
4 tbsp butter (for roux base)
4 cloves garlic, minced (for bold flavor)
¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
3 cups whole milk (for creamy sauce)
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (for smooth melt)
4 oz cream cheese, softened (for richness)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (for stretchy cheese)
¼ cup grated Parmesan (for umami)
Salt & black pepper, to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh parsley or chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step by step for pasta success—season bold, sauce velvety, toss creamy!
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain, set aside, and keep warm.
Step 2: Season and Cook Chicken
In a mixing bowl, toss 1 lb chicken cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp smoked paprika until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Roux
Lower heat to medium and melt 4 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
Step 4: Make Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle in ¼ cup flour, whisking constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a smooth paste. Slowly pour in 3 cups milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Reduce heat to low and stir in 8 oz Velveeta and 4 oz cream cheese until melted and creamy. Add 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan, stirring until all cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add cooked chicken and penne back into the skillet. Toss well until pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy Cajun cheese sauce. Serve warm, topped with parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
Inspired by cheesy sauces? Our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe shares tips on melting cheeses, ensuring velvety results like Velveeta here. This process not only saves time but highlights the recipe’s bold ease, much like the herb lift in the Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, where garlic shines—the same principle keeps this pasta saucy. For a classic external take, try this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe from Allrecipes, which builds spice in a creamy base.
How Long Will Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Last?
When storing your perfect Cajun garlic chicken penne with Velveeta cheese sauce recipe, prompt cooling keeps its creamy magic alive. These tips ensure it stays fresh for leftovers, especially for meal prep.
How Long Does Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Last in the Fridge?
Cooked pasta keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container. Sauce may thicken, but stir in milk when reheating.
To maintain flavor:
Cool completely before storing.
Portion into containers to avoid sogginess.
Reheat on stovetop over low with a splash of milk (5–7 minutes).
Can You Freeze Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce?
Yes—freeze portions for up to 2 months (in bags, sauce separate if possible). Thaw in fridge; reheat as above. (Pro tip: Similar to storing pastas in the Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, freeze for best al dente retention.)
Signs That Your Pasta Has Gone Bad
Watch for:
Slimy chicken or off-smelling sauce.
Mold spots or separated cheese.
Discoloration or sour milk notes.
Follow these to keep the spice going.
Which Chicken Breasts are Best for Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce?
The chicken breasts you choose are the heart of your perfect Cajun garlic chicken penne with Velveeta cheese sauce recipe, influencing tenderness and how well they absorb the spices for juicy, flavorful cubes. Opt for boneless skinless for ease and even cooking.
Best Type of Chicken Breasts for Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce
For tender, bite-sized bites, use 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts—that’s the ideal amount for 6 servings. They provide lean protein that sears quickly and soaks up Cajun rub without drying in the sauce.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Fresh, Uniform Thickness): The top pick for their quick-cooking tenderness and ability to cube evenly, absorbing garlic and paprika for bold flavor while staying juicy in the creamy Velveeta sauce.
Chicken Thighs (Boneless, Skinless): Fattier option for more moisture; cut small to match cook time.
Avoid Frozen or Bone-In: They cook unevenly; stick to fresh boneless for seamless integration.
Cube 1-inch and pat dry before seasoning—it’ll sear beautifully, as in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe for cubes.
How to Prep Chicken Breasts for Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce
Trim fat; cut into 1-inch cubes.
Toss in oil and spices 10 minutes ahead.
Sear hot for color; ready in 8 minutes.
Stabilizing Chicken Breasts for Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne
For longer-lasting dish:
Sauce Bind: Velveeta coats for moisture, much like in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Spice Balance: Cajun enhances without overpowering.
Other Chicken Options for Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce
Turkey Breast: Leaner swap for holidays.
Shrimp: Seafood twist for Cajun authenticity.
Vegan Adaptations: Use tofu or tempeh cubes, echoing Vegan Ravioli with Spinach and Ricotta.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Chicken Breasts for Your Pasta
The right chicken breasts elevate your perfect Cajun garlic chicken penne with Velveeta cheese sauce recipe from good to great, ensuring every forkful is tender and satisfying. Whether breasts or thighs, you’ll cook that perfect spicy batch every time.
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Conclusion
Perfect Cajun Garlic Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cheese Sauce Recipe is a flavorful, one-skillet marvel that delivers spicy, creamy comfort in a simple, tossed package. With the right ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s bound to become your go-to for bold pastas. From chicken picks to smart storage, these insights ensure success every bowl. Cook ahead, toss and serve, and enjoy this delightful dish with loved ones! Pair it with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for extra herb flair.