Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook twisted pasta until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through to 165°F. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux, whisking continuously.
- Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cubed Velveeta and softened cream cheese, stirring until both melt completely and sauce is smooth.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, mixing until fully melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything until well coated. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Add milk when reheating to restore creaminess. Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with added milk. Substitutions: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of chicken cubes; half-and-half instead of whole milk for lighter version; all shredded cheese if Velveeta unavailable. Variations: Add spinach or roasted red peppers; adjust Cajun seasoning for spice preference. Pro tips: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Reserve pasta water for sauce adjustment. Let cream cheese come to room temperature. Add cheese over low heat to prevent graininess.
