Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a hearty, one-skillet pasta that sears Cajun-spiced chicken in garlic butter, then tosses rigatoni in a velvety sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella for smoky, garlicky indulgence—ideal for weeknights, family dinners, or Cajun cravings with quick sear and melt. This 35-minute recipe serves 6 at ~750 calories per serving, blending bold spices with creamy comfort. For more herbed pasta ideas, explore our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, which enhances creamy sauces like this one.
What is the Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe?
The Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is a stovetop pasta where chicken strips are seasoned with Cajun spices and seared golden, combined with cooked rigatoni in a sauce from cream, broth, garlic, Parmesan, and optional mozzarella for glossy richness—perfect for mains. This spicy essential suits busy cooks with one-pan efficiency. If you’re craving bold decadence, follow the Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to herb-infused bakes like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, where cheese melts similarly.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
This recipe’s appeal is its fiery garlic punch and seamless creaminess, making it a reliable dinner staple.
Quick One-Pan Flow
Prep in 10 minutes, cook in 25—sear chicken, build sauce, toss. Ideal for busy nights, like ease in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Spicy Garlicky Cheesiness
Cajun heat, buttery sear, and Parmesan-melted cream create rich, velvety bites—customize flakes for kick, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
All in one skillet, using staples like cream for melt—stress-free, much like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Versatile Comfort Dish
Serves 6; add veggies for nutrition. Pairs with salads from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Nourishing Indulgence
Protein-carb mix at ~750 calories/serving; bold yet balanced, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Simplicity
Glossy sauce over golden chicken—garnish parsley for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free rigatoni, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Main Dish, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American/Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
1x
2x
3x
Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Sauce & Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to boil. Cook 12 oz rigatoni al dente. Reserve ½ cup water; drain and set aside.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry; season with Cajun, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 6–8 minutes until golden (165°F). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build Sauce: Pour in ½ cup broth to deglaze; add 1½ cups heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in ¾ cup Parmesan (and ½ cup mozzarella if using) until smooth. Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes; adjust seasoning.
- Combine and Serve: Toss in rigatoni until coated. Return chicken; mix with reserved water if thick. Garnish parsley. Serve warm.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~750 calories.
Did you make this? Share a photo and tag us!
Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1½ lbs): Lean protein; cut strips for even sear.
- Cajun Seasoning (1½ tsp): Smoky heat base.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Aroma.
- Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Depth.
- Salt & Pepper: Balance.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) & Butter (2 tbsp): For golden crust.
Sauce & Pasta Ingredients
- Rigatoni Pasta (12 oz): Tubular hold for sauce; GF rigatoni for alternatives like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Bold flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1½ cups): Velvety body.
- Chicken Broth (½ cup): Savory lift.
- Grated Parmesan (¾ cup): Umami melt.
- Shredded Mozzarella (½ cup, optional): Extra gooeyness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): Kick.
- Reserved Pasta Water (½ cup): Thins sauce.
Garnish Ingredients
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh finish.
These ensure bold, creamy rigatoni.
How to Make Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Focus on searing and whisking for essential creaminess.
Step 1: Pasta Prep
Boil salted water; cook rigatoni al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve water—essential for adjustment.
Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken
Pat chicken dry; season with Cajun, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper. Heat oil/butter; sear 6–8 minutes until golden (165°F). Builds flavor, like in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Step 3: Garlic Sauté
Melt butter; add garlic 30 seconds—fragrant base.
Step 4: Sauce Build
Deglaze with broth; add cream and simmer. Whisk in Parmesan/mozzarella until glossy (2–3 minutes). Add flakes; adjust.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Coat rigatoni; return chicken. Garnish parsley.
Inspired by creamy pastas? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers sauce tips. For a classic external take, try this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe from Allrecipes, which layers cheeses similarly.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days; reheat stovetop with milk splash. Freeze portions 2 months (sauce separate); thaw in fridge. Signs of spoilage: slimy chicken, separated sauce, mold—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, portion for al dente.)
Tips and Variations
Use fresh garlic; don’t overcook chicken. Variations: Add bell peppers or spinach; lighten with half-and-half. For vegan, use plant-based alternatives. Essential: Whisk constantly for smooth sauce. Like herb balance in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe, adjust Cajun.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni is a bold, cheesy essential for indulgent pastas—spicy, creamy, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to main. From picks to storage, success every twirl. Cook ahead, toss and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for herbs