Description

Craving a bold and comforting pasta dish that hits all the right notes? This Velveeta Chicken Linguine with Spicy Cajun Alfredo delivers the perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce, smoky Cajun heat, juicy chicken, and tender shrimp. It’s a satisfying choice for easy dinner nights, weekend comfort food, or whenever you need indulgent food ideas packed with flavor. Whether you’re exploring new dinner ideas, spicing up your quick meal routine, or hunting for the ultimate easy recipe to impress, this one’s a keeper.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken thighs

10 to 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon butter (for shrimp)

8 oz linguine pasta

Water and salt for boiling

2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed

0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (for sauce)

0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

0.25 teaspoon black pepper

0.5 cup reserved pasta water (optional)

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest.

2. Pat chicken and shrimp dry. Season chicken with ½ tbsp olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Season shrimp with remaining oil and Cajun seasoning.

3. Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and let rest.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt 1 tbsp butter and cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Set aside.

5. In a new pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and stir.

6. Add Velveeta cubes and stir until melted. Mix in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Simmer to thicken.

7. Add linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed to loosen.

8. Serve pasta topped with sliced chicken and shrimp. Garnish with parsley and extra chili flakes if desired.

Notes

Cut Velveeta into cubes before adding to the sauce for faster, smoother melting.

If the sauce gets too thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Always pat your proteins dry before seasoning for a better sear.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 740
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1180mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 230mg

Keywords: cajun pasta, spicy alfredo, velveeta recipe, easy dinner, chicken linguine, creamy pasta