Mediterranean Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cream Sauce
This creamy, cheesy pasta dish brings together the bold flavors of Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich Velveeta and mozzarella cream sauce. Tossed with tender penne or linguine, it’s a comforting Mediterranean-inspired take on Cajun pasta that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Quick to make yet packed with flavor, it’s indulgent, hearty, and cheesy in all the right ways.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1–1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
12 oz–1 lb linguine or penne pasta
3–4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2–3 cups heavy cream or whole milk
½–1 cup chicken broth
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp smoked paprika
Red pepper flakes, optional, for heat
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Cajun seasoning sprinkle
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken:
Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Velveeta cream sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute to make a roux.
Slowly add heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
Stir in Velveeta cubes until melted, then add mozzarella, Parmesan, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine pasta and chicken:
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Heat for 2–3 minutes until everything is warmed through.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Pasta Choices – Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well; use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Cheese Alternatives – Substitute Velveeta with cream cheese or a mild cheddar for a slightly different creamy texture.
Add Vegetables – Bell peppers, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms add color and extra nutrition.
Spice Level – Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the heat.
Make it Lighter – Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, or reduce butter slightly.
Protein Swap – Shrimp or turkey breast can replace chicken for variation.
Meal Prep Friendly – Store pasta and sauce separately to reheat; add a splash of cream or milk when warming to keep it creamy.
Extra Flavor – Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika at the end for brightness.
Crunchy Topping – Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts sprinkled on top before serving add texture.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, cook the pasta and sauce separately, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Increase the Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes to taste.
Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?
A: Yes, cream cheese, mild cheddar, or a combination of mozzarella and provolone works well for a creamy texture.
Q: Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be sautéed with the chicken or added to the sauce.
Nutrition
(per serving, makes 4–6 servings)
Approximate values, depending on pasta and cheese used:
Calories: ~610
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: ~900mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish that balances creamy cheeses with zesty Cajun-seasoned chicken. Tender pasta coated in a Velveeta-based sauce, with the optional kick of red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, makes it a perfect weeknight dinner or indulgent weekend meal. Versatile enough to add vegetables or swap proteins, it delivers bold Mediterranean-Cajun flavors that are sure to satisfy family and guests alike.