Description
A hearty meal combining rich flavors of Cajun spices and creamy textures, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 14 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to form a golden-brown crust.
- Add garlic: Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes, then add minced garlic for the last 30 seconds of cooking.
- Make the sauce: Transfer the chicken to a plate and sprinkle with fresh parsley. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add more minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Create the creamy base: Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, letting it simmer for 3 minutes, then whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the cheeses: Gradually stir in Velveeta until melted, then add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until thickened and glossy.
- Combine with pasta: Stir in Cajun and Italian seasonings, then add the rigatoni, tossing to coat.
- Plate the dish: Serve with rigatoni on one side and chicken on the other, garnished with Cajun seasoning and fresh parsley.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute chicken with turkey or shrimp, and add veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Cajun, garlic butter chicken, creamy pasta, Velveeta, rigatoni, easy dinner