Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is a delicious and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast sautéed with aromatic spices, combined with a rich and creamy Cajun-infused sauce. The rigatoni pasta is perfectly cooked and tossed with sautéed bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a blend of cheddar cheese to create a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for dinner any night of the week.

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
1 bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

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

Garnish

Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the 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 to adjust sauce consistency.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the diced chicken breast and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is 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 softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour in 1 cup chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add 1 cup heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained rigatoni pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cajun chicken rigatoni.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Use fresh Cajun seasoning or adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier texture.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
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

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