A spicy, creamy, cheesy Cajun-inspired pasta dinner that tastes like a restaurant favorite—but unbelievably easy to make at home.
📝 Introduction
If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and comforting pasta dishes that feel like a warm hug, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine in Velveeta Garlic Alfredo Sauce is about to become one of your all-time favorite meals. This recipe brings together the perfect blend of spicy Cajun seasoning, juicy chicken, and a silky, velvety Velveeta Alfredo sauce that coats every strand of linguine in rich cheesy goodness.
What makes this pasta irresistible is its unique combination of homemade flavor and pantry shortcuts. Velveeta melts into the sauce effortlessly, giving it that signature creamy smoothness you usually only get in a restaurant dish. The Cajun spices add depth and a little kick, perfectly balanced by the buttery garlic undertones in the Alfredo.
This dish works for weeknight dinners, special occasions, date nights, or even family gatherings. It’s one of those pastas everyone will request again and again—and you won’t mind because it’s quick, simple, and budget-friendly.
Let’s dive into this flavor-packed creamy Cajun pasta masterpiece.
🍽️ Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or cut into strips)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Pasta + Sauce:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (extra for sauce)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup roasted red peppers
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Preparation
Step 1: Boil the Linguine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat every piece thoroughly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden, slightly crispy on the edges, and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. If adding mushrooms or roasted red peppers, sauté them with the garlic.
Step 5: Make the Velveeta Garlic Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir gently as it warms. Add Velveeta cubes and allow them to melt slowly into the sauce. Stir frequently. Once the sauce becomes creamy, add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper (optional), salt, and pepper. Adjust thickness by adding pasta water if needed.
Step 6: Bring Everything Together
Add the cooked linguine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Add the cooked Cajun chicken back into the skillet. Stir until everything is combined and glossy.
Step 7: Serve
Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for color.
🔄 Variations
Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Combo
Add sautéed shrimp for a Cajun surf-and-turf pasta experience.
Creamy Cajun Vegetable Linguine
Swap the chicken for mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for a veggie-forward dish.
Smoky Andouille Cajun Pasta
Replace chicken with sliced smoked Andouille sausage for an authentic Louisiana twist.
Four-Cheese Cajun Alfredo
Enhance the sauce with mozzarella, Romano, or sharp cheddar.
🍳 Cooking Note
Velveeta melts quickly, so keep the heat on medium and stir often to prevent scorching. Let the cheese melt fully before adding Parmesan to avoid clumping.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or cheesy toast
- Pair with a crisp garden salad
- Add roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley
- Offer extra Parmesan at the table for cheese lovers
💡 Tips
- Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks evenly and absorbs more seasoning.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer before adding the pasta.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for extra flavor depth.
- For extra heat, increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper.
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 40 minutes
📊 Nutritional Information (Approx.)
- Calories: 670 per serving
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 960mg
❓ FAQs
Can I make this pasta less spicy?
Yes! Use half the Cajun seasoning or skip the crushed red pepper.
Can I substitute Velveeta?
You can use cream cheese or shredded cheddar, but the texture will be slightly different.
Can this be made ahead?
Yes, but the sauce thickens when cooled. Reheat with added milk or pasta water.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely—penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or bow-tie pasta all work great.
🧾 Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine in Velveeta Garlic Alfredo Sauce is the perfect dish when you want something decadent, comforting, and bursting with flavor. It combines the heat of Cajun spices with the luxurious creaminess of Velveeta Alfredo, creating a pasta dish that feels both homey and gourmet. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
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⭐ Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine in Velveeta Garlic Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or cut into strips)
-
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
-
1 tsp paprika
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp onion powder
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
½ tsp salt
-
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Pasta + Sauce:
-
12 oz linguine pasta
-
2 tbsp butter
-
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 ½ cups heavy cream
-
1 cup whole milk
-
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ tsp Cajun seasoning (extra for sauce)
-
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
-
1 cup sliced mushrooms
-
1 cup baby spinach
-
½ cup roasted red peppers
-
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
In a bowl, combine the chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat every piece thoroughly.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden, slightly crispy on the edges, and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. If adding mushrooms or roasted red peppers, sauté them with the garlic.
Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir gently as it warms. Add Velveeta cubes and allow them to melt slowly into the sauce. Stir frequently. Once the sauce becomes creamy, add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper (optional), salt, and pepper. Adjust thickness by adding pasta water if needed.
Add the cooked linguine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Add the cooked Cajun chicken back into the skillet. Stir until everything is combined and glossy.
Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for color.
Notes
Velveeta melts quickly, so keep the heat on medium and stir often to prevent scorching. Let the cheese melt fully before adding Parmesan to avoid clumping.