Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni – Bold, Spicy & Irresistibly Comforting
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is the perfect balance of smoky spice and rich, velvety sauce. Tender, seasoned chicken is tossed with hearty pasta and coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with a kick—making it an easy yet impressive dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients:
12 oz (340g) rigatoni pasta
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup (120ml) diced tomatoes
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Season the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper until well coated.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Sauce:
Add the diced tomatoes and let them cook for 2–3 minutes to soften. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Make it Creamy:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained rigatoni. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Extra Flavor:
Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and color.
For a smokier flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
Finish with extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy boost.
Enjoy your rich, spicy, and creamy pasta—perfect for a cozy dinner with a bold twist!
