Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through; remove from heat.
- Sauté minced garlic in melted butter for one minute.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux; gradually add milk until thickened.
- Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted, then add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Combine the cooked chicken and rigatoni into the creamy sauce; mix well before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added spice, increase the Cajun seasoning or include diced jalapeños. Customize with vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the sauce.
