Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Velveeta Alfredo Sauce is a bold, one-skillet pasta that sears Cajun-spiced chicken in garlic butter, then envelops al dente penne in a velvety Alfredo made with Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for ultra-smooth cheesiness—ideal for weeknights, family dinners, or spice enthusiasts with quick sear and melt. This 30-minute recipe serves 4 at ~750 calories per serving, blending smoky heat with garlicky richness. For more bold pasta ideas, explore our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, which amps up sauces like this one.
What is the Perfect Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Velveeta Alfredo Sauce Recipe?
The Perfect Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Velveeta Alfredo Sauce Recipe is a stovetop dish where chicken strips are seasoned with Cajun spices and seared in butter-garlic, tossed with cooked penne in an Alfredo sauce from cream, broth, Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for glossy, melt-in-mouth texture—perfect for mains. This spicy essential suits busy cooks with one-pan efficiency from sear to sauce. If you’re craving fiery comfort, follow the Perfect Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Velveeta Alfredo Sauce Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to herb-infused bakes like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, where garlic enhances cheese.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Velveeta Alfredo Sauce Recipe
This recipe’s appeal is its fiery garlic punch and seamless creaminess, making it a reliable dinner staple.
Quick One-Pan Flow
Prep in 10 minutes, cook in 20—sear chicken, build sauce, toss. Ideal for busy nights, like ease in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Spicy Garlicky Cheesiness
Cajun heat, buttery sear, and Velveeta-melted cheeses create rich, velvety bites—customize flakes for more kick, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
All in one skillet, using staples like Velveeta for melt—stress-free, much like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Versatile Comfort Dish
Serves 4; add veggies for nutrition. Pairs with salads from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Nourishing Indulgence
Protein-carb mix at ~750 calories/serving; bold yet balanced, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Simplicity
Glossy sauce over golden chicken—garnish parsley for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free penne, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Velveeta Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main Dish, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American/Cajun
Ingredients
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Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thick
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
Sauce & Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz penne until al dente. Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
- Season and Sear Chicken: In a bowl, season chicken with 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken; sear 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked (165°F). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the skillet, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter over medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build Sauce: Pour in ½ cup chicken broth, scraping bits; stir in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low; add 4 oz Velveeta cubes, stirring until melted. Gradually whisk in 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan until thick and glossy. Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning; taste and adjust.
- Combine and Serve: Toss in cooked penne until coated. Return chicken to pan; mix. Garnish with 2 tbsp parsley. Serve warm.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~750 calories.
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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1½ lbs): Lean protein; slice thick for juiciness.
- Cajun Seasoning (1½ tsp), Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Paprika (½ tsp), Salt/Pepper: Smoky, garlicky base.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) & Butter (3 tbsp, divided): For searing flavor.
Sauce & Pasta Ingredients
- Penne Pasta (12 oz): Holds sauce; GF for alternatives like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Aromatic core.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) & Chicken Broth (½ cup): Creamy body.
- Velveeta (4 oz, cubed): Smooth melt.
- Mozzarella (1 cup shredded) & Parmesan (½ cup grated): Cheesy pull.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Herb finish.
- Parsley (2 tbsp): Fresh garnish.
These ensure glossy, spicy Alfredo.
How to Make Perfect Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Velveeta Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Focus on searing and whisking for essential creaminess.
Step 1: Pasta Prep
Boil salted water; cook penne al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and oil lightly—essential for non-stick.
Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken
Toss chicken with Cajun, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper. Heat oil and 2 tbsp butter; sear 6–8 minutes until golden (165°F). Builds flavor, like in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Melt 1 tbsp butter; add garlic 30 seconds—fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Build Sauce
Add broth to deglaze; stir in cream and simmer. Whisk in Velveeta until smooth, then cheeses for gloss (2–3 minutes). Add Italian seasoning; adjust.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Coat penne in sauce; add chicken. Garnish parsley. Serve hot.
Inspired by creamy pastas? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers sauce tips. For a classic external take, try this Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe from Allrecipes, which layers spices in cheese sauce.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days; reheat stovetop with milk. Freeze portions 2 months (sauce separate); thaw in fridge. Signs of spoilage: slimy chicken, separated sauce, mold—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, portion for al dente.)
Tips and Variations
Use fresh garlic; don’t overcrowd sear for crisp. Variations: Add broccoli; lighten with yogurt. For vegan, use plant-based alternatives. Essential: Whisk constantly for smooth sauce. Like herb balance in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe, adjust spices.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Penne in Garlic Butter Velveeta Alfredo Sauce is a spicy, creamy essential for bold pastas—juicy, saucy, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to dish. From picks to storage, success every twirl. Cook ahead, toss and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for herbs.