Description
Turn an ordinary evening into something unforgettable with this **Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce** — the perfect blend of bold and comforting. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection and served over rigatoni pasta smothered in a rich, garlicky, mozzarella-infused cream sauce. Whether you’re looking for *quick dinner ideas*, a *creamy weeknight comfort meal*, or *food ideas that feel fancy but are easy to make*, this recipe checks every box. It’s hearty, flavorful, and will satisfy all your *easy recipe* cravings — perfect for cozy nights, date nights, or anytime you need serious comfort food.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (divided)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning. Let rest for 5–10 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest.
3. Meanwhile, 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 and add remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
6. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until melted and smooth.
7. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
8. Toss in the cooked rigatoni and stir until fully coated. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
9. Slice the rested chicken into strips.
10. Plate the creamy pasta and top with sliced chicken.
11. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
12. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, creamy, Cajun goodness!
Notes
Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding to the sauce to ensure smooth melting.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or roasted vegetables for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, mozzarella garlic pasta, rigatoni dinner, easy comfort food, spicy pasta recipe, dinner ideas, food ideas, quick creamy pasta