Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a delightful and satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream, and gooey mozzarella creates a flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick, while the creamy sauce balances it out perfectly. This dish is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer.
- Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sauce and chicken, stirring to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Serve the creamy Cajun chicken rigatoni warm, right after cooking. It makes a perfect main dish for dinner. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch and a bit of color.
How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s warm. If the sauce has thickened, you might want to add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to bring back the creaminess.
Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
- Make sure to season the chicken well with Cajun seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- Stir the cheese in gradually to ensure it melts smoothly.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on how spicy you like your food.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. For a different protein, shrimp can be used instead of chicken, making it a Cajun shrimp rigatoni.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with any pasta of your choice, such as penne or fusilli.
2. Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat cream or even a plant-based cream alternative. Reduce the amount of cheese or leave it out for a lighter sauce.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
A delightful and satisfying meal featuring tender chicken, rich cream, and gooey mozzarella with a kick of Cajun seasoning.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer.
- Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sauce and chicken, stirring to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Customizable with vegetables or other proteins like shrimp. Pair with a salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Poultry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg