Description
Creamy, herby, cheesy Alfredo sauce meets Cajun-spiced chicken in this bold pasta dinner. Rigatoni’s ridged texture perfectly hugs the sauce while every bite of juicy, smoky chicken brings just the right heat. This easy dinner idea is great for weeknights, special occasions, or comfort food cravings. Made with pantry staples and ready in 30 minutes, it’s a go-to for quick dinners, cheesy pasta fans, and bold flavor seekers.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
10 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Season chicken with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
3. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add cream and simmer, then stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herbs.
5. Let sauce simmer until melted and smooth.
6. Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce, adding pasta water as needed.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve pasta topped with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with herbs if desired.
Notes
Use penne or shells if you don’t have rigatoni.
Add fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, cheesy Alfredo rigatoni, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner