Description
A bold and creamy pasta dish featuring spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken bites paired with rich, cheesy rigatoni. This quick, flavorful dinner is ideal for busy nights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Simmer gently.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked rigatoni and toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.