Description
Looking for a bold, creamy, and comforting dinner idea that feels like a restaurant-quality dish made at home? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the perfect balance of spicy seared chicken, rich mozzarella-infused garlic cream sauce, and hearty rigatoni pasta. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner, an easy recipe to impress guests, or just want to elevate your pasta game, this dish checks all the boxes. Think cheesy, spicy, garlicky heaven in a bowl—your next go-to for cozy comfort food cravings and weeknight meal ideas.
Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and coat both sides with Cajun seasoning. Let rest for 10 minutes.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
4. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a bit at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Add rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
8. Slice the rested Cajun chicken and serve over the creamy pasta.
9. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melt—pre-shredded cheese may not blend smoothly.
Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Add a splash of pasta water to reheat leftovers and restore the creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 710
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, garlic mozzarella rigatoni, easy dinner, pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta, comfort food