Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is a hearty, one-skillet pasta featuring seared Cajun-spiced chicken strips tossed with rigatoni in a luxurious three-cheese sauce of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan—ideal for family dinners or spice lovers with quick sear and melt. Ready in 30–35 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort bowl with garlicky heat and creamy pull. Whether you’re craving bold carbs or serving a crowd, you can cook this Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe to deliver satisfying plates without the hassle. For more herbed pasta ideas, check out 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 dish where chicken is coated in Parmesan and seared with Cajun spices, combined with cooked rigatoni in a sauce from cream, broth, Velveeta-like melts, and three cheeses for glossy richness—perfect for mains. This spicy essential suits busy cooks with one-pan flow. If you’re craving garlicky 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 layers similarly.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
There are countless reasons why the perfect creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni recipe is a go-to for pasta fans. From one-skillet speed to bold-creamy satisfaction, it delivers flavor simply. Here’s why you’ll make it often:
Quick One-Skillet Flow
Prep in 10 minutes, cook in 20–25—sear chicken, build sauce, toss. Ideal for weeknights, like ease in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Balanced Spicy Cheesiness
Cajun heat, garlicky sear, and triple cheeses create rich, velvety bites—customize with flakes, akin to herb lifts in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Easy Cleanup
All in one pan, using staples like cream for melt—stress-free, much like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Versatile Family Dish
Serves 6; add veggies or lighten. Pairs with salads from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Nourishing Indulgence
Protein-packed at ~840 calories/serving; bold yet balanced, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Plating
Glossy sauce over golden chicken—garnish with parsley for wow, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
The perfect creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni recipe mixes convenience, flavor, and cheesiness—a must for pasta nights. For gluten-free, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Garlicky, cheesy perfect creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni recipe—perfect for dinners or anytime you crave bold pasta.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Main Dish, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American/Cajun
Ingredients
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Chicken
3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
18 oz rigatoni pasta
1½ tbsp olive oil
6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
2¼ tsp Cajun seasoning
¾ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¾ cup grated Parmesan (for coating)
Pasta & Sauce
2¼ cups heavy cream
1⅛ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1½ cups shredded mozzarella
1½ cups shredded cheddar
1⅛ cups grated Parmesan
3 oz cream cheese
¾ tsp Italian seasoning
¾ tsp dried basil
⅓ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish
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Instructions
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Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: ~840
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Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients
3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips (for tender protein)
1½ tbsp olive oil (for searing)
6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided (for flavor)
6 cloves garlic, minced (divided; for bold aroma)
2¼ tsp Cajun seasoning (for smoky heat)
¾ tsp smoked paprika (for depth)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (for seasoning)
¾ cup grated Parmesan (for coating; nutritional yeast for vegan)
Pasta & Sauce Ingredients
18 oz rigatoni pasta (for hearty hold; GF rigatoni for gluten-free like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment)
2¼ cups heavy cream (for richness)
1⅛ cups low-sodium chicken broth (for deglazing)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella (for stretch)
1½ cups shredded cheddar (for sharpness)
1⅛ cups grated Parmesan (for umami)
3 oz cream cheese (for smoothness)
¾ tsp Italian seasoning (for herb notes)
¾ tsp dried basil (for aroma)
⅓ tsp red pepper flakes (optional; for heat)
Chopped parsley for garnish (for freshness)
How to Make Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe
Step by step for pasta success—sear golden, sauce thick, toss glossy!
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring salted water to boil. Cook 18 oz rigatoni al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken
Pat chicken dry. Season with Cajun, paprika, salt, pepper. Press on ¾ cup Parmesan. Heat oil and 3 tbsp butter in skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden (165°F). Add half garlic and 1 tbsp butter last minute. Remove and keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium. Add remaining garlic; cook 30 seconds.
Step 4: Build Sauce
Pour in cream and broth; simmer. Add cream cheese; stir until smooth. Incorporate mozzarella, cheddar, and 1⅛ cups Parmesan until thick and glossy. Season with Italian seasoning, basil, flakes; adjust salt/pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss in pasta; let sit 1–2 minutes low. Serve with chicken on top; garnish parsley.
Inspired by cheesy sauces? Our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe shares melting tips for velvety results. This highlights bold ease, like herb lifts in the Fresh Herb Pasta Guide. For a classic external take, try this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe from Allrecipes, which builds spice in cheese sauce.
How Long Will Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Last?
When storing your perfect creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken rigatoni recipe, cooling keeps creaminess alive. Tips for freshness:
How Long Does Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Last in the Fridge?
3–4 days in airtight container. Sauce thickens; stir in milk when reheating.
To maintain flavor:
Cool completely.
Portion to avoid sogginess.
Reheat stovetop low with milk (5–7 minutes).
Can You Freeze Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni?
Yes—freeze portions up to 2 months (sauce separate). Thaw in fridge; reheat. (Pro tip: Like storing pastas in the Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, freeze for al dente.)
Signs That Your Pasta Has Gone Bad
Slimy chicken, off-smelling sauce, mold, or separation. Discard if present.
Which Chicken Breasts are Best for Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni?
The chicken breasts you choose are key, affecting tenderness and spice absorption for juicy strips. Opt for fresh boneless for even searing.
Best Type of Chicken Breasts for Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni
Use 3 large boneless skinless (about 1½ lbs)—ideal for 6 servings. They sear quickly, staying tender in sauce.
Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Top pick for lean tenderness and even strips that absorb Cajun without drying.
Chicken Thighs: Juicier alternative; trim fat.
Avoid Bone-In: Uneven cooking; stick to boneless.
Pat dry and coat Parmesan ahead—it sears beautifully, like in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
How to Prep Chicken Breasts
Trim; cut thick strips.
Season and coat 10 minutes prior.
Sear hot; ready in 7 minutes.
Stabilizing Chicken Breasts
Sauce coats for moisture, like eggs in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe. Spices enhance balance.
Other Chicken Options
Turkey breasts for leaner; shrimp for surf. Vegan: Tofu, echoing Vegan Ravioli with Spinach and Ricotta.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Chicken Breasts
Right breasts make it great—tender and satisfying. Fresh boneless every time.
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Conclusion
Perfect Creamy Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Recipe is a flavorful, one-skillet marvel delivering garlicky, creamy comfort simply. With right steps, it’s your go-to pasta. From picks to storage, success every bowl. Cook ahead, toss and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for herbs