Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Sauce
Creamy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting dish that brings delightful flavors and creamy textures to your table. This recipe pairs tender chicken with a rich, velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. The blend of Cajun seasoning and garlic butter creates an irresistible flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking just 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain.
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter.
- Sear the chicken until golden brown; add garlic and remaining butter towards the end.
- For the sauce, melt the rest of the butter in the same skillet, add garlic, then pour in heavy cream and broth. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in cheeses until melted and thickened; mix with cooked rigatoni.
- Serve topped with Cajun chicken and garnish with herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg