Description
Turn up the flavor on your next dinner with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce — a rich and spicy pasta dish that combines bold Cajun-seasoned chicken, garlicky cream sauce, and two kinds of cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food for those who love a little heat and a lot of creaminess. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, indulgent pasta recipes, or satisfying food ideas for busy weeknights, this one checks every box. It’s a high-protein, easy dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes — ideal for quick comfort food cravings or special weekend meals.
Ingredients
340g rigatoni pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Let the sauce melt and thicken. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce and mix to coat evenly. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
8. Slice the rested chicken and lay it over the creamy pasta. Sprinkle extra mozzarella if desired, and cover briefly to melt.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of Cajun seasoning before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce — pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Don’t skip the pasta water — it helps the sauce cling beautifully to the rigatoni.
Rest the chicken before slicing — it keeps the juices locked in for tender, flavorful bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heaping bowl (approx. 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken rigatoni, spicy pasta, garlic mozzarella sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta recipe