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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a delicious meal that brings the flavors of creamy cheese and spiced chicken together. It’s comfort food at its best! This dish is not only tasty but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a filling pasta dish that pleases everyone at the table.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Ingredients:

Rigatoni pasta
Chicken breast
Cajun seasoning
Garlic
Mozzarella cheese
Heavy cream
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Season chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and slice.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Combine the cooked rigatoni and chicken in the sauce, stirring to coat.
Garnish with parsley before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet. You can add extra parsley on top for a fresh touch. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish is great for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

If you have leftovers, store the Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker meal.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
Make sure to stir the sauce well to get a creamy consistency.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or use plant-based chicken alternatives. The sauce remains just as creamy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can use half and half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
Can I freeze Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?
It’s best to avoid freezing pasta dishes with cream sauce, as the sauce may separate when reheated. However, you can freeze the chicken separately and mix it with freshly cooked pasta and sauce later.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

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Print Recipe

Comforting rigatoni pasta with creamy garlic mozzarella sauce and spiced chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.

Total Time: 35
Yield: 4 servings

Instructions

Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Season chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and slice.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Combine the cooked rigatoni and chicken in the sauce, stirring to coat.
Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based alternatives. Use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker meal.

Author: nevaeh-hall
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg