Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella & Parmesan
Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni with Mozzarella & Parmesan, a delightful dish that transforms a simple dinner into an unforgettable experience. This creamy pasta dish features tender chicken pieces sautéed to perfection, enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s spiced just right with Cajun seasoning. The addition of gooey mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan elevates the meal, making it a hearty favorite for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente (10-11 minutes), reserve some pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 7-8 minutes until golden and cooked through; add half of the garlic in the last minute.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, simmering for about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Toss cooked rigatoni with sauce in the skillet, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve topped with seared chicken pieces and fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg