Cheesy Garlic Chicken with Twisted Pasta in Velveeta Cream Sauce
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Garlic Chicken with Twisted Pasta in Velveeta Cream Sauce. This delightful dish features tender chicken, a creamy cheese blend, and perfectly twisted pasta that creates a satisfying meal for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of Cajun seasoning and rich cheeses envelops the pasta and chicken in an irresistible sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s customizable: swap out the chicken for turkey or beef based on your preference. Serve it with fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 12 oz twisted pasta (gemelli, fusilli, or any spiral-shaped pasta)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook twisted pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (9-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until coated.
- Sauté seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked (6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (1 minute). Whisk in flour to make a roux (1-2 minutes).
- Gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps; simmer until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Lower heat and add Velveeta and cream cheese; stir until melted. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta and chicken with sauce; toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 658
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 116mg