Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s bold, creamy, and unforgettable? This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. Perfect for weeknight meals or impressive weekend dinners, this easy recipe brings together juicy Cajun chicken, tender rigatoni, and a luscious homemade mozzarella Alfredo sauce. It’s a must-try for fans of creamy pasta, spicy food, and anyone in need of easy dinner recipes that deliver serious flavor. Great for pasta nights, cozy meals, or even creative food ideas for gatherings.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Season both sides of chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.
5. Lower heat, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan, whisking until sauce is smooth.
8. Slice rested chicken into strips.
9. Add rigatoni to sauce and toss until evenly coated.
10. Stir in reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
11. Top pasta with sliced chicken.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley and black pepper before serving.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat tolerance — more for spicy lovers, less for a milder dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, spicy chicken, easy dinner, rigatoni Alfredo, comfort food