Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Description:
Spicy Cajun Chicken Rigatoni is a bold and creamy pasta dish that blends tender, blackened chicken with a spicy Cajun cream sauce. This dish is perfect for fans of zesty Southern flavor and comforting pasta. The Cajun spices add a warm heat, balanced by the richness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s a restaurant-style meal you can make at home in under an hour!
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan chees
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish
For the Pasta:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
Salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add rigatoni and cook until al dente (around 10–12 minutes).
Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Coat chicken breasts with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.
Melt olive oil, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.
Add chopped onion and red bell pepper, cook until softened (about 4–5 minutes).
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up browned bits.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
4. Combine:
Add cooked rigatoni and sliced chicken to the sauce.
Toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve hot!
Total Time Breakdown:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 5 servings):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~620 kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 48g
Fat 32g
Saturated Fat 14g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 5g
Sodium 890mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on brand of ingredients and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How spicy is it?
A: Moderately spicy. The heat level can be adjusted by using less Cajun seasoning or omitting the chili flakes.
Q2: Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
A: Yes, but check the salt content. Some blends are salt-heavy—adjust your additional salt accordingly.
Q3: What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half with a bit of cornstarch, or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option.
Q4: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes, but the sauce may thicken when reheated. Add a splash of milk or broth when warming up.
Q5: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Let it cool, store in airtight containers, and reheat gently on the stove.
Q6: Can I add veggies?
A: Absolutely!
Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great additions