Description
If you love bold flavors and creamy pasta, this **Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce** is your next dinner win. Tender chicken is seared with smoky Cajun spices, then tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni and coated in a rich, velvety mozzarella garlic cream sauce. It’s a quick dinner idea that feels restaurant-worthy, a great option for easy recipe nights, or when you’re craving comfort food ideas with a spicy twist. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas or a hearty lunch, this dish checks all the boxes—flavorful, creamy, satisfying, and super easy to make.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
10 ounces rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups low-moisture mozzarella shredded
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. In the meantime, boil rigatoni pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium, add butter, and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream, scraping any browned bits off the pan. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
6. Stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add salt, pepper, and reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust sauce thickness.
8. Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce.
9. Toss in the cooked rigatoni and coat everything well with the sauce.
10. Let everything heat through for 1–2 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a smooth, silky sauce that melts perfectly.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s essential for loosening the sauce without making it watery.
Make sure to let the chicken rest before slicing; it keeps the juices in and makes every bite tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken rigatoni, Cajun chicken, garlic mozzarella sauce, easy dinner, quick dinner, food ideas