Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is a quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce made with heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta is tossed in the luscious sauce for a satisfying and comforting meal with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving one cup of pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained rigatoni. Toss to coat everything evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun chicken rigatoni!
Notes
- Cook rigatoni until just al dente to prevent mushy pasta that won’t hold the sauce well.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning carefully to control the spice level and avoid overpowering the creamy sauce.
- Stir the sauce gently and consistently to prevent cheese from clumping or burning.
- Use flavorful chicken broth for a richer sauce taste; homemade broth works best.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months; reheat gently adding broth or cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken, Creamy, Easy, Pasta, Quick, Spicy
