Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rigatoni pasta, and a rich creamy sauce with Cajun spices, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water, add rigatoni, and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add chicken, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Add rigatoni and chicken back to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and add more vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken, Rigatoni, Creamy, Pasta, Dinner