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Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella & Parmesan

Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella & Parmesan

Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella & Parmesan is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings together tender chicken, rich cream, and a blend of Cajun spices for a delightful flavor experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one-pan meal can be on your table in just 35 minutes. The creamy sauce envelops the rigatoni, while the melted cheeses provide a gooey richness that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook rigatoni in boiling salted water for about 10-11 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 7-8 minutes until golden brown; add garlic in the last minute.
  3. Remove chicken from skillet. Melt remaining butter in the same skillet, sauté garlic briefly, then stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese; stir until smooth. Mix in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Combine cooked rigatoni with sauce; adjust consistency using reserved pasta water.
  6. Serve topped with seared chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: One-Pan Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference. Make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later for easy meal prep.