Creamy Velveeta Rotini with Cajun Garlic Chicken Strips
Creamy Velveeta Rotini with Cajun Garlic Chicken Strips is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips seasoned with zesty Cajun spices and enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this one-pot meal is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can serve up a comforting dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting chicken with turkey or beef for a twist on this classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken strips for 7-9 minutes until golden brown; keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, then add heavy cream and milk to simmer.
- Stir in Velveeta until melted; add mozzarella cheese until smooth.
- Toss rotini into the sauce, simmering for an additional 12 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg