Description
Creamy Velveeta Rotini with Cajun Garlic Chicken Strips is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. This recipe pairs tender chicken strips seasoned with zesty Cajun spices with creamy, cheesy rotini pasta, creating a meal that is both flavorful and easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this one-pot wonder minimizes cleanup while delivering a hearty taste experience that the whole family will love. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or warm garlic bread for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 oz Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder; sear until golden brown (7-9 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and milk; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Velveeta until melted, then add mozzarella until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix in reserved pasta water as needed.
- Combine cooked rotini with sauce; let simmer on low for 12 minutes. Serve topped with chicken strips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 120mg