Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for chicken); 4 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 12 oz rigatoni pasta; Water for boiling; Salt for pasta water; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for Alfredo sauce); 3 cloves garlic, minced (for Alfredo sauce); 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Pinch of nutmeg (optional); ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)

Description

Get ready for a bold and creamy flavor explosion with this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce. This easy dinner recipe brings together juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, garlic butter, and perfectly cooked rigatoni coated in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re craving quick comfort food or looking for new dinner ideas, this creamy pasta dish delivers every time. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels gourmet but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Perfect for pasta lovers and those searching for quick dinner recipes that pack a punch of flavor.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for chicken)

4 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

12 oz rigatoni pasta

Water for boiling

Salt for pasta water

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for Alfredo sauce)

3 cloves garlic, minced (for Alfredo sauce)

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.

2. Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear chicken in a single layer over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. In the last minute, add 3 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Stir to coat, then remove from heat.

4. In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté 3 cloves minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.

6. Add the drained rigatoni to the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat. Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

7. Plate the Alfredo rigatoni and top or mix with the garlic butter Cajun chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the Alfredo sauce a smoother texture.

Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps bring the sauce and pasta together.

Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 750
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken rigatoni, cajun recipe, easy dinner, garlic butter chicken