Garlic Cajun Chicken Shells in Velveeta Cream Sauce
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Garlic Cajun Chicken Shells in Velveeta Cream Sauce, where creamy goodness meets bold flavors. This delightful dish features tender chicken coated in zesty Cajun seasoning, enveloped in a rich and cheesy sauce that clings to every shell of pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes. With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, it’s a surefire way to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz medium shell pasta
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the shell pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in flour to create a roux before gradually adding milk.
- Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted and smooth; add mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Combine the cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg