Description
A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a decadent Alfredo sauce made ultra-creamy with Velveeta and mozzarella.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1.5 cups heavy cream
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz spaghetti
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then stir in heavy cream.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until all cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 6: Add the cooked chicken and drained spaghetti to the creamy cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor and heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning when making the sauce. This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg