Description
A comforting pasta dish featuring rigatoni coated in a creamy Cajun sauce and tender chicken, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni in salted water until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season the chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted, then add the Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until thick and glossy.
- Add the rigatoni to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, folding everything together.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes before serving hot.
Notes
Can store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni, pasta, family dinner, comforting meal, Cajun flavors