Description
Creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni in Cheesy Alfredo Sauce blends bold Cajun flavors with rich Italian comfort. A perfect weeknight dinner or indulgent treat.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts sliced thinly
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic finely minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
2 tablespoons unsalted butter for Alfredo
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste
pinch of nutmeg optional
12 ounces rigatoni pasta
salt for pasta water
chopped fresh parsley for garnish
red pepper flakes optional
extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Coat the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear the marinated chicken in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add garlic and smoked paprika; sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently while stirring. Add Parmesan and mozzarella gradually, whisking until melted and smooth.
6. Season sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Return cooked chicken to the sauce. Add rigatoni and toss to combine. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes so flavors meld.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. If too thick, add pasta water or milk to loosen.
9. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Reheats well; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Cajun-Italian)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 47g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 165mg