Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is a flavorful pasta dish that combines perfectly cooked rigatoni with tender, seasoned chicken breast and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. Enhanced with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a blend of Cajun spices, this dish is finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, offering a comforting meal with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces rigatoni pasta

Chicken and Vegetables

1 pound chicken breast, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use.
Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the diced chicken breast, season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they are softened, about 4-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

To prevent the chicken from drying out, avoid overcooking it during sautéing.
Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick and adds extra starch for better sauce adherence.
For a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
Use gluten-free rigatoni pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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

Keywords: Cajun chicken rigatoni, creamy pasta, Cajun seasoning, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food