Description

Looking for a bold, creamy dinner idea that’s easy to make and totally unforgettable? This Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Spicy Cajun Alfredo combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with rich, velvety cheese sauce and al dente linguine. Perfect for anyone craving a quick dinner packed with Southern heat and Italian comfort. It’s one of those easy recipes that checks all the boxes—flavorful, family-friendly, and made with accessible ingredients. Whether you’re browsing for easy dinner ideas, spicy food inspiration, or just the best use of Velveeta cheese, this recipe brings the flavor fast.

Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp salt

½ lb large shrimp (optional), peeled and deveined

12 oz linguine pasta

Salt (for boiling water)

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1½ cups heavy cream

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

½ tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Extra red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

Parmesan shavings (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using shrimp, season lightly and set aside.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side if using.

3. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

4. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Velveeta until melted, then add Parmesan, red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes.

5. Add cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. Simmer 1–2 minutes so flavors meld. Use pasta water to thin if needed.

6. Slice rested chicken. Plate pasta, top with chicken (and shrimp). Garnish with parsley, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

Cut Velveeta into small cubes for faster, smoother melting.

Always reserve pasta water—it’s a sauce-saver if things thicken too much.

Let your chicken rest before slicing to lock in those juices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 610
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 960mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: easy dinner, Cajun pasta, Velveeta recipes, spicy Alfredo, comfort food