Description
This Rigatoni in Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo with Cajun Chicken brings together tender pasta, juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce infused with Italian herbs. It’s a comforting and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to make.
Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian herb blend
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and coat both sides with Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
7. Add cooked rigatoni into the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
8. Slice the Cajun chicken into strips and serve over the pasta.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Don’t boil the Alfredo sauce once the cheese is added—keep it at a gentle simmer for best results.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, silkier sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: rigatoni Alfredo, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta dinner