Description
Looking for a bold, comforting, and cheesy dinner idea? This Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Spicy Cajun Alfredo combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken, juicy shrimp, and rich Velveeta Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a flavorful, easy recipe ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you just want to impress without the stress. Packed with creamy, spicy, and savory goodness, it also fits the bill for quick dinner ideas, comfort food cravings, or a crowd-pleasing pasta night. If you’re into bold food ideas that are both indulgent and easy to make, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients
12 oz linguine pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter (divided)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
8 oz Velveeta cheese, diced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, rest, and slice.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add shrimp, season with remaining Cajun seasoning, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
5. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic to skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add diced Velveeta, stirring constantly until smooth.
7. Stir in grated Parmesan (if using), and adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
8. Add drained linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
9. Plate pasta and top with sliced chicken and shrimp.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Let the chicken sit at room temperature before searing—it cooks more evenly and sears better.
Dice the Velveeta into small cubes so it melts quickly and smoothly into the sauce.
Save your pasta water—it helps adjust the sauce texture perfectly without thinning the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 710
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: velveeta recipe, cajun pasta, creamy chicken pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, dinner ideas, comfort food, easy pasta recipe