Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 170  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is a rich, comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and a smooth Cajun-spiced cream sauce. Packed with bold flavor yet easy to prepare, it’s a restaurant-style meal you can enjoy at home any day of the week.

Ingredients
    For the Pasta
  • 400 g rigatoni pasta
  • 4 liter water
  • 1 tbsp salt
    • For the Cajun Chicken
  • 500 g boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (check label for spices)
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • For the Creamy Cajun Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup cooking cream
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup chicken stock
  • 0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
    • For Finishing
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese (vegetarian-friendly)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
    Cook the Rigatoni Pasta
  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and rigatoni pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
    2. Season the Chicken
  2. 2
    Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated. This step ensures the chicken is flavorful inside and out.
    3. Cook the Chicken
  3. 3
    Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
    4. Prepare the Sauce Base
  4. 4
    In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
    5. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
  5. 5
    Lower the heat slightly. Pour in cooking cream, milk, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine. Add Cajun seasoning, chili flakes (if using), and salt. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
    6. Combine Chicken and Pasta
  6. 6
    Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix well with the sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
    7. Finish and Rest
  7. 7
    Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Note
  • You can substitute cooking cream with fresh cream for a richer texture.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce cheese slightly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, easy dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/creamy-cajun-chicken-rigatoni-recipe/