Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Sauce
Indulge in the creamy, zesty goodness of Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Sauce—a dish that effortlessly combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture. This delightful pasta recipe features tender chunks of chicken coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce enhanced with bold Cajun spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this meal is ready in just 30-35 minutes. With its creamy cheese blend and hearty rigatoni, it’s destined to become a favorite at your dinner table. Elevate your dining experience with this easy yet impressive recipe!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley or dried herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
- Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet during the last minute of cooking.
- In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning.
- Toss rigatoni into the sauce; adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with chopped parsley or dried herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 100mg