Description
This Rigatoni in Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo with Cajun Chicken is the ultimate comfort-meets-flavor dish. With tender Cajun-spiced chicken and rigatoni drenched in a creamy herb Alfredo sauce, it’s the perfect quick dinner idea or indulgent weekend meal. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, pasta food ideas, or a delicious twist on a classic Alfredo, this recipe delivers. It’s rich, bold, satisfying—and done in under 40 minutes. A must-try if you’re after bold flavors, easy recipes, and memorable bites.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ¼ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Optional: 1 cup baby spinach
Optional: grated mozzarella
Optional: cherry or sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let rest 10–15 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until just under al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
6. Stir in parmesan, Italian seasoning, basil, and black pepper. Whisk until creamy.
7. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
8. Slice rested chicken and serve over the pasta. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan to keep your Alfredo sauce smooth and avoid graininess.
Don’t overcook the chicken—keep it juicy by searing and resting properly.
Always salt your pasta water—it’s key to building balanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 ½ cups
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: easy dinner, pasta, Alfredo, Cajun chicken, comfort food