Description
If you’re looking for a bold, creamy, and comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce is the answer. With perfectly seared Cajun chicken, buttery garlic undertones, and rigatoni pasta coated in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce, this dish is everything you want from a quick dinner or indulgent weekend treat. It’s spicy, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying—ideal for cozy nights, entertaining, or when you’re just craving something extra. Think easy dinner, comfort food, quick weeknight meal, and cheesy pasta all in one.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts (or thighs), cubed
2 cups rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Season cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high and sear chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a low simmer.
6. Add Parmesan (and mozzarella if using), stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Add cooked rigatoni into the sauce and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
9. Return chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful Alfredo sauce.
Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference—it can vary in heat.
Reserve pasta water—it’s a game-changer for loosening and emulsifying the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, easy Alfredo, comfort food