Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, combining spicy Cajun chicken, tender rigatoni pasta, and a rich garlic mozzarella cream sauce. This easy weeknight dinner recipe delivers bold flavor with a creamy finish and is perfect for pasta lovers. Great for families or meal prep!
Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni pasta
2 large chicken breasts
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to form a roux.
4. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
5. Lower the heat and add shredded mozzarella. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melting.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Adjust Cajun spice level to taste — mild or extra bold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg