This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo brings together the fiery soul of Cajun cooking with the velvety richness of Alfredo sauce in a pasta dish that satisfies every craving. It’s spicy, savory, cheesy, and altogether irresistible. Imagine tender slices of seasoned chicken nestled into perfectly cooked rigatoni, drenched in a creamy mozzarella Alfredo sauce with a smoky Cajun kick.

The contrast between the smoky heat of Cajun spice and the mellow, melty stretch of mozzarella makes this pasta dish stand out from anything you’d order at a restaurant. Plus, it comes together easily at home, giving you full control over the spice level and cheesiness. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or meal-prepping a week of indulgent lunches, this one ticks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This recipe brings serious comfort with a bold edge. It delivers a spicy bite, but the Alfredo sauce keeps it creamy and balanced. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, as the Cajun flavors continue to mingle with the cheesy sauce and pasta. It’s also flexible enough to customize: add bell peppers, swap in shrimp, or toss in sun-dried tomatoes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Rigatoni’s sturdy tubes hold the sauce beautifully, making each bite a burst of flavor. Mozzarella adds a gooey, stringy goodness that binds everything together. And Cajun chicken? That’s always a win.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Rigatoni is the perfect choice for this dish because of its ridges and tube-like shape, which trap all that creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce. But if you don’t have rigatoni on hand, penne or ziti are excellent alternatives. Just make sure to pick a pasta that can stand up to a rich sauce and hearty protein.

If you’re going gluten-free, there are plenty of GF rigatoni options available now that will still hold up well with the sauce. The key is a pasta with a little bite and shape—you want those saucy crevices in every forkful.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Every ingredient in this Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni recipe has a job to do, from building bold heat to layering in that dreamy creaminess. This is a dish that thrives on balance, so don’t skip the cheese or the Cajun seasoning—they’re the heart of the flavor.

Rigatoni pasta
Chicken breasts
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic
Heavy cream
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni in Creamy Mozzarella Alfredo 2

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips. Coat them generously in Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece is well covered for maximum flavor. Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes to soak in the spice.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and keep warm.

Step 4: Build the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for a couple of minutes. Then add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, tossing to coat every piece. Return the Cajun chicken to the pan and stir to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will bring it to the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Spoon into bowls while piping hot, and sprinkle extra Parmesan or a dash of Cajun seasoning on top if you like it fiery. Enjoy every spicy, creamy bite.

How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni

This Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni serves 4 to 5 people comfortably, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or hearty lunch leftovers. When serving, dish it straight from the skillet while it’s still bubbling hot—the sauce will cling to the pasta best right off the stove. A light sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color, and a bit more Parmesan never hurts.

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. It actually gets even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni?

Garlic Bread with Cheese

A crisp-edged, melty slice of cheesy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce.

Simple Caesar Salad

The cool crunch of romaine and a zesty Caesar dressing makes a great contrast to the rich, spicy pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Slightly charred and crisp, roasted broccoli adds a nice green balance to the creamy Alfredo base.

Southern-Style Green Beans

Simmered with onions and bacon, they bring a smoky veggie twist that pairs beautifully with Cajun spices.

Cornbread Muffins

If you’re aiming for Southern comfort, cornbread muffins with a hint of sweetness bring a satisfying textural match.

Creamy Coleslaw

Cool, crunchy, and tangy coleslaw provides a welcome counterpoint to the spice and richness.

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly grilled zucchini adds color and a fresh, smoky flavor that complements the chicken.

Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Double down on Cajun flair with shrimp skewers served as an appetizer or side.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

If this spicy Cajun chicken rigatoni hit the spot, you’ll want to try some of these other creamy favorites on Mia Plates:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a meaty twist on a classic.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you’re craving something quick, rich, and hearty.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for bold Philly flavors wrapped in tender pasta.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta that’s cozy and totally satisfying.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how spicy you made yours. Did you mix in extra Cajun seasoning? Add some shrimp? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and dinner inspiration on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish to cook tonight!