Description
A comforting and flavorful dish that combines creamy cheese with tender chicken and pasta, featuring bold Cajun spices and zesty Rotel tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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