Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rotini in Spicy Cheese Sauce
Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rotini in Spicy Cheese Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines creamy cheese with tender chicken and pasta. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. The bold Cajun spices and zesty Rotel tomatoes add a kick that makes this dish truly special.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rotini because it is easy to prepare, delicious, and packed with flavors. The combination of creamy cheese and Cajun spices creates a dish that is both satisfying and comforting. Plus, it only takes a short amount of time to cook, making it perfect for busy days when you want something quick yet tasty.
How to Make Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rotini
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or bowtie/farfalle)
- 1 (16 oz) block Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies (undrained)
- 1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
- Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini in salted water until it is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season it generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, which takes about 6–8 minutes.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat. Stir in the Velveeta cubes, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and undrained Rotel tomatoes. Mix until everything melts together into a creamy, spicy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with the reserved pasta water as needed.
Combine & Coat: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy Cajun goodness.
Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Make sure the sauce is rich, cheesy, and coats every tasty bite.
How to Serve Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rotini
Serve this dish warm in bowls. It pairs nicely with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For an extra touch, you can add more parsley or green onions on top before serving.
How to Store Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rotini
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and it can last for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a little milk or pasta water if it thickens.
Tips to Make Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rotini
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference. If you like it spicy, add more seasoning!
- Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritious boost.
- Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor. Cheddar or pepper jack can be great alternatives.
Variation
You can easily switch the chicken for shrimp or sausage for different flavors and textures. Additionally, using gluten-free pasta can make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can use regular cheese, but you may need to adjust the amount of cream cheese and cream of chicken soup to get a similar creamy texture.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with beans or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and cheese sauce ahead of time and just cook the pasta when you are ready to serve. Mix everything together before serving.
Now you can enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rotini in Spicy Cheese Sauce with your loved ones!
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Cajun Velveeta Chicken Rotini in Spicy Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish that combines creamy cheese with tender chicken and pasta, featuring bold Cajun spices and zesty Rotel tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or bowtie/farfalle)
- 1 (16 oz) block Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies (undrained)
- 1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
- Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil rotini in salted water until it is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Velveeta cubes, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and undrained Rotel tomatoes. Mix until everything melts into a creamy sauce, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Spoon into bowls and top with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference. For added nutrition, include vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Consider trying different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cajun, chicken, rotini, cheese sauce, comfort food