Description
Get ready to fall in love with the bold flavors of this Rigatoni in Cheesy Italian Herb Alfredo with Cajun Chicken — a creamy, spicy, and ultra-satisfying pasta dish that blends two cuisines in one unforgettable meal. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, comfort food cravings, or impressive dinner ideas, this easy recipe brings together smoky Cajun-spiced chicken with a velvety Alfredo sauce enriched by Italian herbs and Parmesan. If you’re looking for a delicious food idea that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup cream cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried parsley
¼ tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and coat with olive oil and Cajun seasoning on both sides. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and let rest.
4. Lower the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream, stir, and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and dried herbs. Let the sauce thicken for 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Add cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
9. Slice rested chicken and arrange over the pasta.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and smooth sauce texture.
Don’t skip resting the chicken — it locks in the juices and makes slicing cleaner.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness as needed without losing flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: rigatoni Alfredo, Cajun chicken pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta, weeknight meal, chicken Alfredo, spicy pasta, food ideas