Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

Name: Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 12 oz penne pasta; 4 tbsp butter; 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

By Jason Griffith

Some days, you just need a meal that delivers on pure, unadulterated comfort. This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne with Velveeta Cream Sauce is that meal. It’s the kind of dish that is so rich, so creamy, and so packed with flavor that every single bite feels like a warm hug. It combines a spicy kick from Cajun seasoning with a smooth, velvety cheese sauce that is simply irresistible. This isn’t your average chicken pasta; it’s a decadent, soulful dish that will become a go-to in your recipe book.

The magic of this recipe is in its sauce. While many recipes rely on a simple roux, we’re taking it a step further with a three-cheese blend that includes Velveeta, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella. The Velveeta melts into a perfectly smooth, creamy consistency that’s unparalleled, while the cream cheese and mozzarella add a rich, tangy depth. This cheesy concoction blankets tender chunks of Cajun-spiced chicken and al dente penne, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious meal.

This dish is a testament to the fact that comfort food doesn’t have to be bland. The bold flavors of the Cajun seasoning cut through the richness of the sauce, creating a perfect balance that will have you coming back for more.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of my top comfort food choices because it’s a beautiful blend of spicy and creamy. I’m a big fan of Cajun-inspired dishes, and the blend of spices we use to season the chicken gives this dish a fantastic depth of flavor. But what truly makes this recipe a winner is the sauce. It’s so smooth, so cheesy, and so easy to make that you’ll never go back to those boxed mac and cheese packets again.

I love that this dish comes together quickly. You cook the pasta and the chicken at the same time, then create the sauce in the same skillet. It minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. The velvety texture of the sauce is what really sets it apart—it clings to every noodle and every piece of chicken, ensuring that every spoonful is a perfect bite.

If you enjoy big, bold flavors and cozy, hearty meals, you’ll also love my recipe for Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, another one of my favorite soulful dishes.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
12 oz penne pasta
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Swaps & Notes

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work wonderfully and stay incredibly moist. You can also swap the chicken for smoked sausage for a more traditional Cajun flavor.
Pasta: Any short pasta shape like fusilli, cavatappi, or rotini would be a great substitute for the penne.
Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. You can also use your favorite homemade blend.
Cheese: While the Velveeta is key for that ultra-creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses. For a sharper flavor, try using shredded sharp cheddar.

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, toss the chicken cubes in a bowl with the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until every piece is well coated.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Make the Roux: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
Form the Sauce Base: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a light roux. This will thicken your sauce.
Add the Dairy: Slowly pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cubed Velveeta and the softened cream cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Finish the Sauce: Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until they are fully melted and combined into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken and the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Mix everything together until the chicken and pasta are completely coated in the rich, cheesy Cajun garlic sauce.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped chives if desired.

Tips for Success

Use a Large Skillet: A large skillet or Dutch oven is essential for this recipe. It allows you to cook the chicken and make the sauce in the same pan, which builds layers of flavor.
Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the flour and butter for a minute or two will cook out the raw flour taste and ensure a smooth, delicious sauce.
Low and Slow: When melting the cheeses, keep the heat on low. This prevents the dairy from separating and ensures a silky, smooth sauce.
Adjusting Spice: If you like a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This cheesy pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side salad to cut through the richness. A simple side of garlic bread would also be perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. For a drink pairing, a light, crisp beer or a zesty glass of lemonade would complement the spicy flavors perfectly.

For another easy and cheesy chicken dinner idea, you’ll love my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

(Approximation based on ingredients, serves 6)

Calories: ~750
Protein: ~45g
Fat: ~40g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fiber: ~3g

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of this pasta are just as delicious the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, or gently warm it in a skillet on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of comforting and crowd-pleasing dinners, you’ll also love these other recipes:

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort food hero. It’s rich, it’s spicy, and it’s a guaranteed hit with anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful pasta dish. I hope you give it a try and discover why it’s a favorite in my home.

What’s your favorite comfort food to make on a chilly evening? Let me know in the comments below!