Description
Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo is the perfect comfort food pasta dish. Packed with bold Cajun spice, juicy chicken, and a rich mozzarella Alfredo sauce, it’s a flavorful dinner idea that’s easy and restaurant-worthy. Great for weeknight meals or entertaining.
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
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat them evenly with Cajun seasoning.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
6. Lower the heat and add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the cooked chicken and rigatoni to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust consistency.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers taste great the next day too.
Add red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.
You can swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 145mg