Description
A flavorful and comforting dish featuring spicy Cajun chicken bites paired with creamy, cheesy Alfredo linguine. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to perfection, then served alongside linguine pasta coated in a rich Alfredo sauce made with Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies both spice and comfort cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
- Butter, 1 tablespoon (for chicken cooking)
- Cajun seasoning, 2 teaspoons
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Reserved pasta water, 1/2 cup (as needed)
- Milk, 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Cajun Chicken Bites: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and sear them in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Finish the Sauce: Mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Adjust the thickness of the sauce with reserved pasta water, adding a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Combine the drained linguine with the Alfredo sauce in the skillet and toss to coat the noodles evenly. Serve topped with the Cajun chicken bites.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning on the chicken.
- If Velveeta is not available, substitute with processed cheese or use a combination of cream cheese and cheddar for a similar creamy texture.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency; add slowly to avoid thinning it out too much.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
