Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

If you love comforting, flavor-packed pasta dishes that warm your soul and tingle your taste buds, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a must-try. It combines the smoky heat of Cajun spices with juicy chicken, tender rigatoni, and a dreamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together in one luscious bite.

The secret to this dish is all in the balance. The Cajun seasoning adds a bold kick without being overwhelming, while the creamy garlic mozzarella sauce smooths everything out, creating a luxurious texture that clings to every bite of pasta. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend indulgence, this meal delivers big on taste with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is a crowd-pleaser with layers of flavor and comfort. The Cajun spice rub transforms simple chicken into a savory highlight, while the garlic and mozzarella combo in the sauce wraps each bite in creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a cozy meal that feels gourmet but comes together quickly.

Rigatoni is the perfect pasta shape here too. Its ridges and hollow center grab onto the sauce and bits of chicken so each bite is packed with flavor. Plus, everything cooks in just one or two pans, making cleanup as easy as enjoying your second helping.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

You can use your favorite store-bought Cajun seasoning blend, but if you’re up for it, making your own is easy and lets you control the salt and heat levels. Look for a mix that combines smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. Some blends include salt, so you may want to reduce any added salt in the recipe accordingly.

If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a light hand and adjust after cooking. The cream and cheese mellow out the heat nicely, but you want the Cajun flavor to shine, not overpower. A good seasoning blend should offer both depth and a little fire.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each one playing a vital role in building flavor and texture. From the bold Cajun-spiced chicken to the silky mozzarella-laced sauce, every component adds to the harmony of the final bowl.

Rigatoni pasta
Chicken breasts
Olive oil
Cajun seasoning
Garlic cloves
Heavy cream
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional)

The rigatoni pasta is ideal for holding onto the rich sauce. Chicken breasts add protein and soak up the Cajun flavors beautifully. A drizzle of olive oil helps sear the chicken while adding richness. Cajun seasoning is the flavor powerhouse here, giving the dish its bold identity. Minced garlic cloves deepen the savory base of the sauce. Heavy cream creates the luxurious texture, while mozzarella cheese adds stretch and creaminess. A bit of Parmesan cheese sharpens the overall flavor. Season it all with salt and pepper to taste, and top with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and freshness.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce 2

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a half cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rigatoni and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This creamy Cajun chicken rigatoni is best served piping hot, straight from the skillet to the plate. The sauce is at its silkiest when warm, making every forkful rich and flavorful. This dish generously feeds 4 to 5 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as comforting the next day.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

A golden, buttery garlic bread pairs beautifully with this pasta. It’s perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.

Classic Caprese Salad

Light and fresh, a Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil balances the richness of the rigatoni.

Roasted Asparagus

Tender roasted asparagus with a bit of lemon zest offers a bright and healthy contrast.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons give a cool, refreshing bite next to the creamy pasta.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

For a protein-packed meal, serve a few crispy chicken cutlets on the side.

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini ribbons add smokiness and a fresh bite that compliments the Cajun flavors well.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

Double up on comfort by serving these creamy, cheesy potatoes as a side dish.

Southern Cornbread Poppers

If you’re feeling playful, these slightly sweet and spicy cornbread poppers are a fun twist to pair with the rigatoni.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Cajun Twist?

If this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni left you craving more bold and comforting meals, here are a few other recipes you’ll want to explore next:

Try the One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for an easy and meaty weeknight dinner.
If shrimp is your thing, don’t miss the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta that’s rich, spicy, and full of coastal flavor.
The Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta delivers a slightly lighter but still indulgent option.
Want something extra cozy? The Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese is a fan favorite for good reason.

These dishes bring their own twist to creamy pastas, giving you new flavors to fall in love with.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun seasoning or keep it mellow? Try adding mushrooms or spinach?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other create the best meals possible.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for flavor-packed dinners and more: Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is that perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy that brings dinner together in the most comforting way. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight crowd or just yourself, it’s a recipe that guarantees satisfaction and second helpings. Keep this one in your rotation whenever you need an easy dinner that hits all the right notes.