Craving something creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor? Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce is everything you want in a comfort dish. It’s bold, garlicky, a little spicy, and absolutely luxurious with its silky sauce and tender chicken bites. You get the smoky warmth of Cajun seasoning balanced beautifully by the richness of Alfredo, and each rigatoni noodle catches just enough sauce to make every bite memorable.
What makes this dish irresistible is the way everything comes together in one skillet, delivering layers of flavor in a fraction of the time it tastes like it took. With golden seared chicken, a lush garlic butter base, and pasta that clings lovingly to the sauce, this dinner doesn’t just feed your appetite—it satisfies your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni
This dish is a weeknight dinner winner but fancy enough to impress guests. The Cajun seasoning gives it a bit of heat, but not too much—just enough to warm up the flavor. The garlic butter? It’s what takes the sauce over the top. And the cheesy Alfredo sauce coats the rigatoni in velvety perfection. Everything is cooked until golden, then married in the skillet to create the kind of pasta dish that begs for seconds. Even picky eaters won’t leave anything behind.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Rigatoni is the ultimate choice here because its ridges hold onto the Alfredo sauce better than smoother pastas. But if you can’t find rigatoni, penne, ziti, or even rotini can work well. Just go for something sturdy with texture, so you can trap that creamy, spicy, cheesy flavor in every forkful. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair—they’ll get lost in the sauce.
Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce
This recipe layers flavors from simple ingredients, transforming your kitchen into a Cajun-inspired bistro. Every item plays a role in building depth, richness, and that slightly spicy kick we love.
- Rigatoni pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cajun seasoning
- Salted butter
- Garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley


How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden. This is the flavor foundation for your sauce.
Step 4: Build the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Stir in shredded Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the rigatoni. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you’d like. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy, cheesy bite.
How to Serve and Store Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce
This pasta dish is hearty enough to be the star of the table, no sides required—but it also plays well with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or even roasted green beans. It serves 4 to 5 people generously, perfect for family dinner or casual guests.
To store leftovers, let the dish cool and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. While it’s best fresh, the flavors deepen beautifully after a day.
What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni?
Garlic Bread
A buttery, crispy side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce.
Caesar Salad
The crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing contrast wonderfully with the rich pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
Adds some green to the plate and balances the creamy richness.
Corn on the Cob
Its natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the spicy Cajun notes.
Southern Fried Okra
A fun, crunchy side that adds texture and Southern flair.
Sauteed Spinach with Lemon
A fresh, citrusy side to cut through the sauce’s richness.
Garlic Roasted Mushrooms
Earthy and savory, mushrooms deepen the umami of the dish.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
For a touch of sweetness and tang that brightens the entire plate.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Cajun Twist?
If you loved this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce, here are more bold and creamy pasta dishes worth trying:
- Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a smoky, spicy weeknight favorite.
- One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni when you need flavor and ease all in one dish.
- Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for something cozy with a pop of greens.
- Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl if you love chicken but want a lighter twist.
- Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese because cheesy comfort never gets old.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you make it spicier? Did you swap the cheeses? Did you add shrimp? Let’s keep the flavor conversation going in the comments!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, comfort food classics, and fresh seasonal ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next dinner obsession.
Conclusion
Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce is one of those recipes that balances comfort and kick with creamy elegance. From the golden seared chicken to the thick cheesy Alfredo sauce infused with garlic and spice, this pasta dish delivers flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight indulgence or to wow guests on the weekend, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
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Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings
Description
Creamy, spicy, and indulgent, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. Made with rigatoni pasta, golden Cajun chicken, garlic butter, and a rich Alfredo sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. This easy one-skillet pasta dish is packed with bold Cajun flavor and cheesy goodness. Ideal for pasta lovers looking for a restaurant-style meal at home.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
3 tbsp salted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes creamy.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the rigatoni. Toss everything together to coat with the Alfredo sauce. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Add extra Cajun seasoning if you love more heat.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 735
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg