Description
Bold, creamy, and irresistibly satisfying—this Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo is the perfect mashup of comfort food and Southern heat. Juicy seared chicken breasts rubbed in smoky Cajun spices rest atop a bed of rigatoni pasta, all coated in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce made with mozzarella and Parmesan. Ideal for an easy dinner, quick lunch, or even impressive date night, this dish belongs on your list of flavorful dinner ideas and easy recipe staples. If you love creamy pasta, spicy chicken, or indulgent comfort food, this is a must-try!
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
water (for boiling)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and black pepper to taste
2 to 4 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and pound to an even thickness. Rub with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let rest for 10–15 minutes.
2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to 165°F. Remove and let rest before slicing.
3. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and milk. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
5. Slowly stir in mozzarella and Parmesan, whisking constantly until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use reserved pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes for flavors to combine.
7. Slice rested chicken and place on top of pasta. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
Always let the chicken rest after searing to retain juiciness.
Don’t skip salting the pasta water—it’s essential for flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 765
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: spicy cajun chicken pasta, creamy Alfredo, easy dinner, chicken rigatoni, comfort food, quick pasta, cheesy pasta, dinner ideas, easy recipe