Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken breast, subtly spiced Cajun seasoning, and a luscious creamy sauce made with heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Sautéed vegetables add depth and freshness, making it a perfect quick and comforting meal that balances spice with smooth creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Chicken and Seasoning

1 pound chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add diced chicken breast, seasoning it with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour in 1 cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add 1 cup heavy cream and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rigatoni. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce.
Finish with Cheese and Adjust: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun chicken rigatoni!

Notes

Cook rigatoni until just al dente to prevent mushy pasta that won’t hold the sauce well.
Adjust Cajun seasoning carefully to control the spice level and avoid overpowering the creamy sauce.
Stir the sauce gently and consistently to prevent cheese from clumping or burning.
Use flavorful chicken broth for a richer sauce taste; homemade broth works best.
Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months; reheat gently adding broth or cream if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Cajun

Keywords: chicken, Creamy, Easy, Pasta, Quick, Spicy