Description
A comforting dish that combines Cajun spices with creamy cheesiness, perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into thick pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, set aside 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is well coated for maximum flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until deeply golden with slightly crisp edges, about 5-7 minutes per side. Add the minced garlic towards the end of cooking, making sure it becomes fragrant without burning. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter. Add the garlic and allow it to cook briefly until aromatic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it warm until it starts to gently bubble. Add the Velveeta cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth base.
- Once the Velveeta has melted, add the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring this mixture into a thick and rich sauce. Season with smoked paprika and garlic powder for added depth of flavor.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss until every strand is beautifully coated. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve the Cajun garlic butter chicken over or alongside the fettuccine while everything is hot and glossy.
Notes
Pair with garlic bread or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken, Fettuccine, Cheesy, Comfort Food