Description
This creamy Cajun chicken rigatoni features blackened chicken, rigatoni pasta, and a velvety garlic mozzarella sauce that’s rich, cheesy, and full of bold Southern flavor. Perfect for dinner when you want comforting, restaurant-worthy results at home.
Ingredients
1 lb rigatoni pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked and beautifully blackened. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.
4. In a non-stick saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
6. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
7. Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Whisk until melted and smooth. Add salt and a pinch of Cajun seasoning to taste.
8. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce until fully coated.
9. Plate the pasta and top with sliced Cajun chicken.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it.
Don’t skip resting the chicken before slicing—it keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: cajun chicken, creamy rigatoni, garlic mozzarella, cheesy pasta