Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce is creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken bites are tossed with rigatoni pasta and coated in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s a cozy dinner perfect for weeknights or impressing guests with bold taste.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks
1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the chicken chunks tossed with Cajun seasoning.
2. Sear the chicken until fully cooked and golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In a large pot, boil rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
6. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Return the chicken to the pan and fold into the pasta. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes for flavors to meld.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning while cooking the chicken.
To make it extra creamy, stir in a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese at the end.
For meal prep, store pasta and sauce separately to avoid soggy reheats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, garlic butter chicken, Alfredo rigatoni