Spicy Garlic Chicken Pasta (Printable Version)
Creamy pasta tossed with spicy grilled chicken, garlic, and cheesy sauce for a comforting and bold dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Sauces
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 -
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
04 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
Salt, to taste
06 -
Black pepper, to taste
07 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
08 -
180 grams dried pasta of choice
09 -
0.75 cup (180 ml) chicken broth
10 -
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
11 -
233 grams processed cheese (Velveeta), cubed
12 -
0.5 cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
13 -
0.25 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water (optional)
→ Chicken
14 -
2 medium chicken breasts
→ Finishing
15 -
Extra shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
16 -
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish
17 -
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
# Steps To Follow:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 60 ml of the cooking water. Set pasta aside.
02 -
Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts for 6–8 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and let rest.
03 -
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
04 -
Lower heat and add Velveeta cheese cubes, stirring frequently until fully melted. Add shredded mozzarella and mix until sauce is smooth, thick, and glossy.
05 -
Slice the rested chicken breasts. Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until evenly coated in sauce. If necessary, stir in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to reach desired sauce consistency.
06 -
For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle additional mozzarella over the pasta and cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes until melted.
07 -
Transfer to plates or serve straight from the pan. Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve immediately while hot.
# Notes and Tips:
01 -
For optimal melt and creaminess, slice the cheese into small cubes before adding it to the sauce.
02 -
Adding a splash of reserved pasta water can help emulsify the sauce and improve its consistency.