Description
Craving something bold, creamy, and completely satisfying? This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce is your next go-to. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken is seared to perfection and tossed in garlic butter, then combined with rigatoni and drenched in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect recipe when you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, indulgent comfort food, or even a cozy but impressive meal for guests. Whether it’s an easy dinner, a weeknight favorite, or a must-save pasta idea, this dish checks every box.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
12 oz rigatoni pasta
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook on medium heat for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in the Parmesan and cream cheese (if using), and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Meanwhile, boil the rigatoni pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
7. Add cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
8. Fold the Cajun chicken back into the skillet, toss to combine, and cook for 1–2 more minutes to heat everything through.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, avoid crowding the skillet and let each piece sear without stirring too much.
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce texture—pre-shredded often clumps.
Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken pasta, Cajun chicken, Alfredo pasta, creamy rigatoni