Description
Bold, creamy, and full of flavor—this Rigatoni in Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo with Cajun Chicken is a comfort food dream. Tender rigatoni is coated in a rich, herb-infused Alfredo sauce and topped with spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken for the perfect blend of heat and indulgence. This easy dinner recipe is ideal for weeknight meals, quick comfort food cravings, or cozy weekend entertaining. If you’re looking for quick pasta dinners, easy creamy sauces, or bold chicken recipes, this one deserves a spot on your table.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 cups heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni to al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat and add more oil or butter if needed. Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened, 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add cooked rigatoni and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Toss to coat.
8. Slice rested chicken and serve over creamy rigatoni. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce—pre-shredded cheese can clump.
Don’t skip resting the chicken; this keeps it juicy and easy to slice.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion – Cajun & Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 34
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 140
Keywords: Rigatoni Alfredo, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Herb Alfredo, Easy Pasta Recipe, Dinner Ideas