Name: Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 2 large chicken breasts; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

When you’re craving something rich, spicy, and totally comforting, look no further than this Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo. This dish brings together the bold heat of Cajun spices with the indulgent creaminess of a homemade mozzarella Alfredo sauce, all wrapped around perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. It’s a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to whip up at home.

Each bite is packed with flavor: tender chicken bites seared to golden perfection, pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully, and a mozzarella-rich creaminess that soothes the Cajun heat just enough. It’s a dinner that satisfies spice lovers while still offering the creamy pasta comfort we all love.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This dish is more than just a pasta night favorite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to serve when you have guests. The balance of heat from the Cajun seasoning and the mellow creaminess of the Alfredo makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, rigatoni is ideal for grabbing onto every bit of sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a table full of friends, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and comfort.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rigatoni is the best choice for this dish because its large, ridged tubes are perfect for catching all that creamy, cheesy Cajun sauce. However, if you’re in a pinch, penne or ziti will also work well. The key is using a pasta shape that holds onto sauce so each bite delivers both chicken and that luscious Alfredo blend. If you’re feeling adventurous, try fresh pasta or even a gluten-free rigatoni to make it your own.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll want to gather some familiar pantry staples along with a few fresh ingredients that bring the magic together. Each component plays a role in either building the bold Cajun spice or mellowing it with creamy comfort.

Rigatoni pasta
Chicken breast
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic cloves
Heavy cream
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley

The rigatoni pasta acts as the hearty base and soaks up the sauce beautifully. Chicken breast offers protein and bulk, made flavorful with a generous coating of Cajun seasoning. Cooking it in olive oil gives a lovely sear, while butter and garlic cloves start the Alfredo sauce off with rich depth. Heavy cream forms the silky base, enhanced by the meltability of mozzarella cheese and the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese. A pinch of salt and black pepper brings everything into balance, and fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo 2

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Cajun Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and coat with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Start the Alfredo Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Lower the heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Let the cheeses melt into the cream, stirring frequently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together gently to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh, herby touch.

Serving and Storing This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This creamy, spicy pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove when the sauce is at its most luscious and the chicken is still tender and juicy. It feeds 4 to 6 people comfortably, making it ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers. If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so you might find the leftovers even more irresistible the next day.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread

The ultimate companion for any creamy pasta. Its crunchy, buttery texture is perfect for soaking up extra Alfredo sauce.

Simple Green Salad

Balance the richness of the dish with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a bright, slightly charred note that complements the creaminess of the pasta.

Steamed Broccoli

A healthy, mildly bitter veggie that pairs well with the spicy chicken and smooth sauce.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A warm bowl on the side adds comfort and enhances the Cajun flavors with a touch of acidity.

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until crispy and tossed with a bit of Parmesan, these are a flavorful and nutritious side.

Lemon Iced Tea

Its refreshing tang helps cut through the creaminess of the Alfredo.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet, smoky, and slightly crunchy, it makes a fun and satisfying addition to the meal.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re craving more comforting pasta dinners like this Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni, there are plenty of other delicious choices waiting for you to try:

• One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you want a quick dinner with bold flavor and easy cleanup.
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for an extra kick and deep smoky notes.
• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta when you’re in the mood for something creamy and veggie-packed.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a fun twist on traditional chicken pasta.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you’re looking for rich, earthy comfort on a plate.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you go extra spicy or mellow it down? Did you try a different cheese or protein?

I love seeing your spins on these recipes. Drop your questions too — let’s make this the easiest, tastiest dinner yet.

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Conclusion

Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo is the kind of dish that turns ordinary nights into memorable meals. With its zesty seasoning and velvety sauce, it hits every note of indulgence without being too complicated to make. Once you try it, it just might earn a spot on your regular dinner rotation. Go ahead and spice things up — you deserve it.