Garlic Cajun Chicken Shells in Velveeta Cream Sauce
Garlic Cajun Chicken Shells in Velveeta Cream Sauce is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances creamy comfort with a kick of spice. This delightful recipe features tender chicken, shell pasta, and a luscious cheese sauce infused with garlic and Cajun seasoning. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a hearty meal that will impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz medium shell pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted 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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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.
- Sauté the seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through; set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened.
- Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted; then add mozzarella and Parmesan until combined.
- Mix the cooked chicken and shell pasta into the sauce and toss gently to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 105mg